RABIA ALTHANI 14, 1441 AH WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2019

28 Pages Max 22º Min 11º 150 Fils Established 1961

ISSUE NO: 18007 The First Daily in the Arabian Gulf www.kuwaittimes.net

Gulf defense, aerospace expo Revving up to a new World’s youngest PM Kings’ Bjelica beats the 4 opens, featuring 32 countries 20 speed record in Kalahari 24 takes office in Finland 28 buzzer to stun Rockets

Amir hails positive steps to forget the past at Gulf meet

Sheikh Sabah: Riyadh Declaration ‘gateway to our future’ • Hajraf appointed new GCC chief

RIYADH: HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al- stability in a calm and wise mode and Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah yesterday said through dialogue. “Due to this escalation, the Riyadh Declaration is “the gateway to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia has been hit our future”. Speaking during the conclud- by dreadful attacks which we condemned ing session of the 40th GCC summit in and denounced. We have also voiced sup- Riyadh, HH the Amir hoped that the com- port to our brothers in defending their ing meetings will be better than previous security and stability,” he said. ones. The Amir thanked Saudi King He cited Saudi Arabia’s G20 presiden- Salman bin Abdulaziz Al-Saud and the cy, the UAE’s hosting of Expo 2020 and Saudi government for the declaration and Qatar’s organizing of the World Cup 2022 sponsorship of the gathering. as a source of pride to the Gulf people, Earlier yesterday, HH the Amir voiced and a sign of world appreciation and con- satisfaction with the positive and construc- fidence in the GCC countries. At the Arab tive steps taken so far in the context of level, HH the Amir said: “We took note of efforts to forget the past. Addressing the the agreement signed by the Yemeni gov- GCC gathering, the Amir said the 40th ernment and Transitional Council under summit, held in a favorable atmosphere, the sponsorship and with the praiseworthy reflects resolve to adopt unified positions effort of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.” and commitment to Gulf unity. He voiced He hailed the Riyadh agreement as a optimism that the meeting will come up gateway to the aspired peace process in with resolutions and recommendations that Yemen. Concerning Iraq, Lebanon, Libya can undoubtedly contribute to promoting and Algeria, HH the Amir hoped that they the Gulf march and fulfilling ambitions. would overcome their current difficult He stressed that the recent Gulf sports and painful circumstances and restore event in Qatar and the summit are clear- security and stability. He also congratu- cut signs of common determination to lated the Tunisian people on their recent ensure Gulf unity and maintain gains and successful presidential elections, voicing accomplishments. In this context, HH the heartfelt greetings to President Kais Amir congratulated Bahrain on winning Saied. The Amir concluded his speech by RIYADH: (From left) Secretary General of the GCC Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani, Kuwaiti Amir HH Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah, Qatari the 24th Gulf Cup, wishing it more thanking Saudi Arabia for organizing the Prime Minister Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al-Thani, Omani Deputy Prime Minister Fahd bin Mahmud Al-Said, Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz, progress and success. The Amir added gathering and for its proper reception Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum and Saudi that he has always called for addressing and hospitality. Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman attend the 40th Gulf Cooperation Council summit in the Saudi capital yesterday. — AFP recent threats to regional security and Continued on Page 24

stitution, which also acknowledges the Private sector media’s role in supporting national Abiy collects development plans. The new aspect of the campaign Peace Nobel, ‘integral part’ focuses on the common perception of sustainable development, added Aqeel, of development saying the initiative aims to encourage urges unity the average citizen to contribute to the OSLO: Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed By Ben Garcia country’s development plans. She emphasized that Kuwait’s development collected the Nobel Peace Prize in Oslo yes- terday, appealing for unity as ethnic violence KUWAIT: Kuwait’s private plan is running on track, flares in his country and reconciliation efforts sector is an ‘integral part’ of one that would lead the with neighboring former foe Eritrea have the country’s development country towards a raft stalled. Abiy, 43, won the Nobel for his efforts plans, a minister said yes- of reforms, including to resolve the long-running conflict with terday, placing great infrastructure repairs, Eritrea. Announced back in October, the prize emphasis on an increasingly which in turn will help also honored his mediation efforts in eastern significant part of the econ- create a more multifac- Africa and the democratic reforms he has omy. Addressing the New eted economy. undertaken in his country, long ruled by Kuwait 2019 Summit on Kuwait’s strategic OSLO: Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali poses after he was awarded the Nobel Peace authoritarian leaders. behalf of HH the Prime location serves as an Prize during a ceremony at the city hall yesterday. —AFP Mariam Al-Aqeel HH the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Sabah Al- Minister Sheikh Sabah Al- incentive for the coun- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah sent a cable yes- Khaled Al-Hamad Al- try to rise to regional Ethiopia saw spectacular progress in the bedecked City Hall, in a formal ceremony terday to Abiy, expressing heartfelt congratu- Sabah at the Sheikh Jaber Al-Ahmed prominence, said Kuwait Projects months after he took power in April 2018, but attended by the Norwegian royal family and lations. The Amir wished the Ethiopian prime Cultural Center in Kuwait City, acting Company’s Deputy CEO Faisal Al- the winds have since shifted: in addition to dignitaries. minister everlasting health and wellness, and Finance Minister and Minister of State Ayyar, who pointed out that the coun- the stalled peace process with Eritrea, his “There is no ‘Us and Them’,” he said. further progress and prosperity to his coun- for Economic Affairs Mariam Al-Aqeel try possesses the capabilities needed reforms aimed at opening up Ethiopia have “There is only ‘Us’, for ‘We’ are all bound by a try. HH the Crown Prince Sheikh Nawaf Al- said the private sector’s contributions to achieve the aforementioned goal. paradoxically given rise to a flare-up of eth- shared destiny of love, forgiveness and recon- Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and HH the Prime towards economic development is a On Kuwait’s ever-growing private nic tensions. Faced with these challenges, ciliation.” On July 9, 2018, following a historic Minister Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad notion embedded in the country’s con- Continued on Page 24 Africa’s youngest leader called for unity as he meeting in Eritrea’s capital Asmara, Abiy Al-Sabah sent similar cables. picked up his award at Oslo’s flower- Continued on Page 24 Protests rage Suu Kyi told to in India over ‘stop genocide’ citizenship bill THE HAGUE: Nobel peace laureate Aung San Suu Kyi faced calls for Myanmar to “stop the genocide” of GUWAHATI, India: Protestors in northeast India set Rohingya Muslims as she personally led her country’s fire to tyres and cut down trees to block roads yester- defense at the UN’s top court yesterday. Myanmar’s civilian leader sat through graphic accounts of mass day in a shutdown across the region hours after law- murder and rape as the west African state of The makers approved the government’s new citizenship bill. Gambia set out its case at the International Court of The legislation, set to go before the upper house Justice in The Hague. Thousands of people back home THE HAGUE: Myanmar’s State Counsellor Aung San Suu today, will fast-track citizenship claims from immi- NEW DELHI: Demonstrators display placards to protest in Yangon rallied in support of 74-year-old Suu Kyi, Kyi looks on as Gambian Justice Minister Abubacarr grants from three neighboring countries - but not if against the government’s Citizenship Amendment Bill whose silence about the plight of the Rohingya has tar- Tambadou sits before UN’s International Court of Justice they are Muslim. (CAB) yesterday. — AFP nished her international reputation as a rights icon. yesterday. — AFP For Islamic groups, the opposition, rights groups and Around 740,000 Rohingya fled to neighboring others this fits into Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s the powerful umbrella group the North East Students’ Bangladesh after a bloody crackdown by the Myanmar before our eyes yet we do nothing to stop it,” added Hindu nationalist agenda to marginalize India’s 200 mil- Organization. “We have made it clear ... that CAB (the military in 2017 that UN investigators have already Tambadou, a former prosecutor at the tribunal into the lion Muslims - something he denies. People in northeast Citizenship Amendment Bill) will not be accepted and described as genocide. “Tell Myanmar to stop these Rwanda’s 1994 genocide. “Every day of inaction means India object for different reasons, fearing that large we are going to intensify our agitation,” he told AFP. senseless killings, to stop these acts of barbarity that more people are being killed, more women are being numbers of Hindu migrants from Bangladesh, who they “Assam and northeastern states had already taken a continue to shock our collective conscience, to stop this raped and more children are being burned alive. For say are intruders, will swamp their homeland. huge burden of illegal foreigners,” he said. genocide of its own people,” Gambian Justice Minister what crime? Only that they were born different.” Yesterday, the region - that is sandwiched between India’s lower house passed the bill just after midnight Abubacarr Tambadou told the judges. Suu Kyi, who 28 years ago today was awarded the Bangladesh, China and Myanmar - was crippled by a following a fiery debate that saw one Muslim MP com- Muslim-majority Gambia accuses Myanmar of Nobel Peace Prize, is set to speak in Myanmar’s general strike called by dozens of organizations, with pare the government to the Nazis. Once law, it will breaching the 1948 genocide convention and has asked defense today. She is expected to argue that Myanmar buses off the roads and most schools and shops shut. make it much easier for Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Jains, the court, set up in 1946 to rule on disputes between was conducting legitimate operations against Rohingya “The bandh (strike) have drawn a total response in the Parsis, and Christians fleeing Afghanistan, Bangladesh UN member states, to take emergency measures to stop militants and that the ICJ has no jurisdiction in the case. northeastern states,” said Samujjal Bhattacharyya from Continued on Page 24 further violence. “Another genocide is unfolding right Continued on Page 24 2 Local Wednesday, December 11, 2019 Aggression on any GCC state is an aggression on all members: Gulf leaders GCC 40th summit concludes with ‘Riyadh Declaration’

Saudi King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud welcomes His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah upon his arrival to attend the summit. RIYADH: Leaders of Gulf Cooperation Council countries attend the 40th GCC Summit in Riyadh yesterday. —Amiri Diwan photos

RIYADH: The 40th Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) Summit concluded yesterday with Secretary General Abdulatif Al-Zayani reading the ‘Riyadh Declaration’. It emphasizes necessity to protect maritime of the Arabian Gulf from any threats, as the council notes measures taken by Saudi Arabia to protect its oil facilities, which stems from the Kingdom’s keenness of a stable oil market, both for producing and consuming countries. “Any aggression on a GCC member state is an aggression on all member states,” the Declaration reads. It also underlines the impor- tance of achieving economic unity and customs integration, which would serve the Gulf’s political and security coordi- nation in light of regional and international variables. The vision of the Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, laid the foundations for the integration system among GCC countries in all fields, which requires completion of procedures needed to guarantee intactness of member states’ sovereignty and safety of their territorial waters, as well as economic areas in accordance with the joint defense treaty, the Declaration points out. The summit discussed a host of important issues of interest for the GCC march, in addi- tion to reports and recommendations forwarded by the ministerial committees and action teams with regard to political, economic, social and legal aspects. It also reviewed a number of current regional and international His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Saudi issues and regional developments. —KUNA King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud speak while attending the summit. GCC leaders attending the summit.

His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- Jaber Al-Sabah speaks with Saudi Crown Prince His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Saudi His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Saudi Mohammad Bin Salman Al Saud. King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud during the summit. King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud speak during the summit.

Kuwait Amir receives Hajraf, 2nd Kuwaiti Qatari PM in Riyadh as GCC chief KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Nayef Al-Hajraf has been confirmed as the next GCC Secretary General yesterday, becoming the second Kuwaiti to take the post since the bloc’s inception in 1981. Hajraf has a vast experience in public and private sector management, education, and financial consulting. Prior to his appointment, he served as Kuwait’s chief regu- lator of marketable securities in his capacity as the Chairman of the Board of Commissioners and Managing Director of the Kuwait Capital Markets Authority (CMA) from 2014 to 2017. He has previously served as Kuwait’s Minister of Finance for a brief period in 2012, and Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education from 2012 to 2014. His most recent cabinet post was also as Finance KUWAIT: Dignitaries cut the cake during the reception. Minister from November 2017 until his resignation in —Photo by Yasser Al-Zayyat November 2019. Hajraf holds a PhD in accounting and finance from the University of Hull, UK and a Master’s in accounting from RIYADH: His Highness the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, as well as meets with Qatari Prime Minister and Interior Minister Sheikh Abdullah Kuwait optimistic about a bachelor’s degree in accounting from Kuwait University. Bin Nasser Al Thani. — Amiri Diwan photo Furthermore, he was Vice President of Gulf University for Science and Technology for Academic Services. Gulf dispute resolution Chronologically, Abdullah Bishara (Kuwait) was the RIYADH: His Highness the Amir Tamim Bin Hamad Al Thani, wishing first secretary general of the GCC; serving for 11 years, Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al- His Highness good health and more KUWAIT: Kuwait remains optimistic in optimistic that this dispute will be some- from 1981 to 1993. He was succeeded by Fahim Al- Sabah received yesterday Qatari progress for Kuwaiti people. His its bid to support resolving the dispute thing of the past in the near future,” the Qasimi (UAE) who served from 1993 to 1996. Jamil Al- Prime Minister and Interior Minister Highness relayed greetings to Sheikh between Gulf neighbors, Deputy Foreign Kuwaiti official said. Jarallah made the Hejailan (Saudi Arabia) assumed the position afterwards Sheikh Abdullah Bin Nasser Al Thani Tamim, wishing him wellbeing and his Minister Khaled Al-Jarallah said, adding comments to reporters in Kuwait, during and stayed until 2002, and was followed by at Dariya Palace in Riyadh. The Prime country more progress. The accompa- reconciliation efforts are looking “posi- his attendance of a Qatar Embassy func- Abdurrahman Al-Attiyah (Qatar) who served between Minister conveyed greetings and nying delegation of His Highness the tive.” “We are not at all concerned about tion held to celebrate the anniversary of 2002 and 2011. The current GCC chief Abdulatif Al- appreciation of Qatari Amir Sheikh Amir attended the meeting. — KUNA the environment that is accompanying the founder of Qatar Sheikh Jasim bin Zayani (Bahrain) assumed the position in 2011 and is the efforts to end the dispute, and we are Thani’s accession to the throne. —KUNA expected to step down in 2020. —KUNA 3 Local Wednesday, December 11, 2019 Manpower authority to text employers about violations detected in inspections

Fourth Ring Road repair to be completed by year’s end

By A Saleh ly Al-Anbaa that policies of replacing expats with related mishaps. “All drains in Mangaf tunnel have ing the results of investigating housing applications citizens will be implemented according to a new been opened to prevent water accumulation,” the and rent allowance payments. In this regard, official KUWAIT: The Public Authority for Manpower said criterion in 2020-2021 - to include graduates of sources said, adding that new drainage canals had sources said it was noticed that thousands of citi- it is currently working on linking all labor depart- universities with lower academic levels as per the been built to prevent the same at Sabah Al-Ahmad zens have housing applications filed in their names ments and investment branches at co-operative ministry of higher education’s updated academic City, and that the main drainage grid in Mangaf is without having families, because they divorced societies through an automated system. The accreditation register. The sources added that also ready. The sources said all other roads and before having children. This is a violation, because authority added that both the authority and co-op graduates of accredited universities who fail to streets will be repaired according to a long-term having a family is one of the authority’s conditions. administrations are currently discussing mandating present the equivalence of their degrees and five-year schedule set between MPW and the con- The report added that after automating links that all laborers working in co-op investment accredit them will be replaced. tracted companies and contractors. with the Ministry of Interior (MoI), it was found branches should be sponsored by the main invest- The sources added that it would be better for that MoI had withdrawn the citizenship of some ment company. bodies responsible for changing the replacement Unregistered drugs applicants and that rent allowance was still being The authority explained that various violation conditions for the new fiscal year to disregard the The Ministry of Health’s (MoH) assistant under- paid to deceased citizens, noting that these cases codes include code 72, which means suspending all date of recruitment to secretary for food and had been referred to the Public Anti-Corruption the company’s transactions except residency can- make sure graduates of medicine control Dr Authority for further investigations. cellation pending deportation; code 73, which accredited universities who Abdullah Al-Bader said Meanwhile, the housing authority explained that means administrative suspension except transfers already got the equiva- one of his inspection teams it processed 17,231 transactions in November and residency cancellation pending deportation; lence of their degrees Unregistered detected serious violations including 668 new applications and 195 allocations and code 71 for non-existing firms or dossiers, cas- remain in their positions. at a private clinic in in South Sabah Al-Ahmad and Jaber Al-Ahmad es which are usually subjected to investigation plus Notably, the sources pre- drugs found in Salmiya, where large quan- cities. The authority added that 473 citizens had permanent suspension. In addition, the authority dict that up to 4,000 tities of smuggled medica- filed attestation applications, responded to 2,150 added that a new measure is currently in use - expats will be terminated Salmiya clinic tions that are not regis- inquiries, issued 4,790 ‘to whom it may concern’ sending immediate text messages via SMS to when the replacement tered with MoH were certificates to be sent to the Credit Bank and employers in case of detecting any violation, which starts by the beginning of seized, in addition to other processed 1,033 rent allowance applications. puts an end to paperwork. the new fiscal year on April drugs smuggled out of The authority also noted that in case inspectors 1, 2020. public hospitals and clinics. MP’s immunity find that a firm is closed despite sponsoring labor- Bader added that another inspection team found The legislative affairs committee rejected a ers, the firm’s file is suspended and legal actions are Fourth ring road another quantity of unregistered drugs in other request to lift MP Ahmad Al-Fadhl’s parliamentary taken as per articles 10 and 138 of law number In other news, official sources at the Ministry of clinics, adding that the company selling those drugs immunity to investigate two e-crimes, another pro- 6/2010. “In case the employer requests lifting the Public Works (MPW) said the plan of repairing was fined and that all the citations are currently posal by MP Mohammed Al-Huwailah to pay suspension, the firm is re-inspected to make sure streets affected by the rain will remain in progress subject to MoH’s legal affairs investigations pend- Kuwaiti teaching staff members at the education that it is in operation and the laborers it sponsors till the end of the month, adding that a special ame- ing referral to the public prosecution. and awqaf ministries and Kuwaitis working as work for it,” the authority noted, explaining that liorated substance is used in the new asphalt layers. librarians, technicians and social workers in various employers will then sign affidavits that the firm will The sources added that Fourth Ring Road repairs Rent allowance violations government bodies special rewards and allowances, not be closed. will conclude this month, while MPW has a plan The Public Authority for Housing Welfare sub- in addition to writing off Credit Bank loans given to Meanwhile, well-informed sources told local dai- ready to prevent a recurrence of last year’s rain- mitted a primary report to the parliament concern- citizens who had died.

Legal panel rejects request to debate general amnesty bill

By B Izzak tion in issuing the law. The opposition lawmakers are trying KUWAIT: The National Assembly’s legal to secure amnesty for a dozen of former and legislative committee yesterday MPs and activists who have fled to out- rejected a request by two of its mem- side the country, mainly in Turkey, for bers to accord priority to the discussion the past 18 months after the court of of a draft law proposing a general par- cassation sentenced them to several don for people jailed over expressing years in jail for taking part in storming opinion. Member of the committee MP the National Assembly building during a Khalil Abul said the committee preferred protest against corruption in 2011. Abul that the National Assembly should vote said that the committee rejected the to ask the committee to speed up the request to study such laws and said it is debate of a number of bills related to better if the national assembly votes to pardon. speed up the debate of the draft laws. A number of MPs have submitted Abul said the committee approved an bills calling to grant a general amnesty amendment to the labor law in the oil to activists jailed over taking part in sector stipulating that end of service protests or expressing opinions on indemnity must be calculated on the social media deemed offensive. basis of the last salary. The committee Hundreds of activists are either in jail or also approved a proposal calling to facing trial for committing such viola- exempt citizens from their credit bank tions and a number of MPs have pressed loans after death. the government to cooperate in issuing Head of the assembly budgets com- legislation that grants pardon to such mittee MP Adnan Abdulsamad said yes- activists. terday that authorities have failed to Opposition MPs have linked their implement a law to privatize the commu- support to the new cabinet being nications ministry, adding that the min- formed by premier-designate His istry budget has not changed despite of Highness Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al- transferring its operations to the tele- Sabah and the government’s coopera- com public authority.

KFAS concludes ‘female entrepreneurs’ workshop

KUWAIT: Kuwait Foundation for the opment manager Mona Al-Bakr said that Advancement of Sciences (KFAS) recently the workshop is one of KFAS’ latest activi- concluded a three-day workshop that was ties that have been allocated for women attended by a number of Kuwaiti female for the first time, adding that registration entrepreneurs and businesswomen. The for the workshop exceeded expectations workshop, titled ‘The Intensive Female by four folds. Bakr added that KFAS’ Entrepreneur Program,’ focused on devel- training programs which are held all year oping business, understanding market and long target private sector employees, not- client requirements and setting work ing that they are designed to suit various strategies. Emerging companies expert occupational positions with the aim of Lena Ramlift, and the program’s supervisor creating a business environment that moti- Julia Youngers lectured on the workshop. vates and helps businesswomen develop Meanwhile, KFAS training and devel- their businesses. 4 Local Wednesday, December 11, 2019 Gulf Defense, Aerospace expo kicks off featuring 32 countries Eurofighter Typhoon maker among participating companies

By Nawara Fattahova

KUWAIT: Two hundred and twelve leading interna- tional companies in the fields of defense and armament from 32 countries are participating in the 5th Gulf Defense and Aerospace (GDA) exhibition and confer- ence, which kicked off yesterday in Kuwait. The three- day event is open to the public from 10:00am - 5:00 pm, and is held at halls 5, 6 and 7 at the Kuwait International Fairground in Mishref. Kuwait’s Army Chief of Staff Lt Gen Mohammad Al- Khudher noted that the fifth GDA falls as part of efforts to make Kuwait a financial and commercial center. “The exhibition is an opportunity to see the latest develop- ments in defense and security industries,” he noted during the opening event yesterday. Furthermore, he pointed out that the exhibition also presents a “valu- able opportunity” to discuss and exchange experi- ences between military leaders “and choose what is appropriate for their tasks and future aspirations.” Maj Gen Ali Al-Shanafa, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Kuwaiti Army’s Supply Authority, said meanwhile that KUWAIT: A general view of visitors attending the Fifth Gulf Defense and Aerospace Exhibition the exhibition aims to attract young people in order for yesterday. — Photos by Yasser Al-Zayyat A model of the Eurofighter Typhoon jet is displayed at the exhibition. them to get acquainted with the military sector and national service. He urged university students to pres- ent their projects during the exhibition, and encour- aged them to join the military corps. In the meantime, Brig Gen Salah Al-Azmi, Head of the Organizing Committee of GDA, said that the first version of this exhibition was held in 2011. “Apart from international participants, different Kuwaiti public institutions are also participating in this event including the Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Interior, Kuwait Fire Service Directorate, Kuwait Blood Bank, and oth- ers. We are glad that students from different universi- ties are participating in this event and presenting great projects,” he pointed out. “The participation of compa- nies this year is 100 percent higher than it was in 2011. Meanwhile, only 20 countries participated in 2011, but today we have 32 countries participating, which is also about 50 percent higher,” added Azmi. GDA is an international event for defense, aero- space, homeland security and safety. At this business- to-business event, the exhibitors meet professionals from the industry. The opening ceremony witnessed the presence of the Saudi Chief of Staff Lt Gen Fayyad Al-Ruwaili, the UAE Chief of Staff Lt Gen Hamad Al- Rumaithi, and a number of senior officers in the Kuwaiti army. Italian company Leonardo, the producer of the Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jet, is also among the participants. Members of the Kuwaiti military gather around a bullet display at the exhibition. A visitor checks a rifle displayed at the exhibition.

KFSD carries out fire drills By Hanan Al-Saadoun

KUWAIT: Kuwait Fire Service Directorate (KFSD) carried out several fire drills yesterday as part of its plan to improve firemen’s effi- ciency. Al-Hilali fire station carried out one exercise in cooperation with Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait in Sharq, while Kabd fire sta- tion carried out an exercise in cooperation with Kuwait National Guard. In the meantime, Shuhada and Madina fire stations carried an exercise at Nuzha Co- operative Society.

International WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2019 ‘No compromise’ on human rights in Bloomberg: Solving climate crisis requires leadership Page 8 Philippines: Bono Page 9

PARIS: (From left) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, French President Emmanuel Macron and Russian President Vladimir Putin give a press conference after a summit on Ukraine at the Elysee Palace on Monday.—AFP Divisions exposed as Putin, Zelensky meet EU welcomes Ukraine talks, urges concrete progress PARIS: Russian leader Vladimir Putin more. “Many questions were tackled and March 2020”. Zelensky said a new accords signed in Minsk in 2015 that and Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr my counterparts have said it is a very exchange of prisoners would take place called for the withdrawal of heavy Zelensky on Monday held their first good result for a first meeting. But I will between Ukraine and pro-Moscow sep- weapons, the restoration of Kiev’s con- face-to-face talks at a summit in Paris be honest - it is very little, I wanted to aratists by the end of this year. But in a trol over its borders, wider autonomy for which agreed some measures to de- resolve a larger number of problems,” he sign that more advances were needed, Donetsk and Lugansk, and the holding of Gunman kills self escalate the Ukraine conflict but said after the talks in Paris. Macron said a new summit would be local elections. The key shortcoming of clinched no major breakthrough on end- held in four months to take stock of the summit appeared to be the failure to after deadly Czech ing the five-year war. Host French ‘Open wound’ progress on ending the conflict. agree any timetable for the holding of President Emmanuel Macron, joined by Thousands have been killed and one “The process is moving in the right the local elections - with Kiev failing to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, million have fled their homes since pro- direction,” said Putin, adding that “Russia win concessions from Moscow - and hospital rampage hailed the progress after some eight Russia militias in eastern Ukraine would do all that it can so that this con- also the lack of agreement on control of hours of talks at the Elysee Palace on launched a bid for independence in 2014 flict comes to an end”. Macron argued the border. The summit has been a huge- PRAGUE: A gunman killed ending the conflict between pro- - kicking off a conflict that deepened that the sheer fact the meeting had taken ly delicate event for everyone involved - himself yesterday after Moscow separatists and Ukrainian Russia’s estrangement from the West. place was an achievement. “The fact we but particularly for Zelensky, who came shooting dead six patients forces in the east of Ukraine. Separatists seized control of the Donetsk are here together side-by-side is some- to power after starring in a comedy at a hospital in the eastern Four-way talks at the Elysee Palace and Lugansk regions shortly after thing important,” he said, describing the show about a school teacher who sud- Czech city of Ostrava, in were followed by the first ever bilateral Russia’s annexation of the Ukrainian conflict as an “open wound at the heart denly becomes president. what the premier has meeting between wily ex-KGB agent peninsula of Crimea. of the European continent”. “We have a About 200 demonstrators spent the called “an immense Putin - in power for two decades - and The issue of Crimea, whose seizure gave lot of work to do but I have the impres- night in tents outside the Ukrainian pres- tragedy”. The attacker ex-comedian Zelensky who won the Putin a popularity boost at home but led to sion that there is goodwill to resolve the ident’s office, seeking to put pressure on gunned down people at presidency this year. A joint statement international sanctions being imposed difficult questions,” said Merkel. Zelensky not to “capitulate” to his close range at the trauma by all four parties said they agreed to against Moscow, was not on the table at Russian counterpart. For Macron, the ward of the Faculty implement a full ceasefire and proceed this summit. The joint statement said the Under pressure summit was a centerpiece of an increas- Hospital in Ostrava, a steel with a new withdrawal of forces from sides committed “to a full and comprehen- The Kremlin has sent signals that it is ingly bold foreign policy he is driving hub located some 300 km conflict zones by March 2020. sive implementation of the ceasefire, ready to work with Zelensky, whom despite troubles at home, where trans- east of Prague. Four men Putin hailed the outcome as an strengthened by the implementation of all Putin has described as “likeable” and port workers have been on strike for and two women died dur- This handout image shows ing the assault, which “important step” towards a de-escala- necessary ceasefire support measures, “sincere”. But there was no sign of days in a dispute over pension reforms. a suspected gunman who police said lasted only a tion in the east of Ukraine. But Zelensky before the end of the year 2019”. warmth between the two men at the Macron, who shocked NATO allies last opened fire at the Faculty few seconds. Hospital in Ostrava. —AFP candidly admitted that despite the It added that three additional disen- midnight press conference, with the pair month by saying the alliance was suffer- Two other people were impressive symbolism of his first meeting gagement areas should be agreed in east sitting at opposite ends of the table and ing “brain death,” has made clear his seriously wounded - one is in a critical condition after being with Putin and the first such four-way Ukraine, “with the aim of disengaging with Macron and Merkel between them. belief that Europe needs a strategic shot in the head and the other is past the worst following summit in three years, he had wanted forces and equipment by the end of Monday’s summit sought to implement partnership with Russia. —AFP surgery, rescue services said. A third person sustained light injuries. The gunman had chased children out of the waiting room before opening fire, according to the DNES broad- to 20 years. Two other former industry ministers, sheet daily. Police said they had not yet determined what Algerian ex-PMs Mahdjoub Bedda and Youcef Yousfi, were handed 10- drove the 42-year-old to launch the attack but reports sug- year terms. Businessman Ali Haddad, founder and gested he was mentally unstable. CEO of private construction firm ETRHB and former “I was told the dead victims were people sitting in the waiting room of the trauma ward. Fortunately, there were get heavy jail head of Algeria’s main employers’ organization, was not as many as usual,” Prime Minister Andrej Babis told sentenced to seven years. local media in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. “The for corruption And three businessmen who own vehicle assembly gunman was allegedly shooting from a close range, aiming plants - Ahmed Mazouz, Hassen Arbaoui and at the head and neck.” The shooter then fled the scene in a ALGIERS: An Algerian court sentenced two former Mohamed Bairi - were sentenced to seven years, six silver Renault Laguna car, sparking a police hunt involving prime ministers to long jail terms yesterday in the years and three years respectively. The prosecutor hundreds of officers and two helicopters. “His mother coop- first of a series of high-profile corruption trials denounced a sector dominated by nepotism and erated with the police - he came home, told her he had shot launched after longtime president Abdelaziz favoritism, describing businessmen who “managed people and that he was going to shoot himself now,” Babis Bouteflika resigned in the face of mass protests in front companies while benefiting from undue tax, cus- said at the site of the crime after travelling to Ostrava. April. The verdicts came just two days before Algeria toms and land benefits”. The automotive scandal cost Ahmed Ouyahia Abdelmalek Sellal ‘A catastrophe’ is due to elect a president to replace Bouteflika in a the treasury more than 128 billion dinars (Ä975 mil- vote bitterly opposed by the country’s nine-month- The man had turned the gun on himself inside the vehicle lion), according to the official APS news agency. old protest movement, which sees it as a regime ploy regime insiders, rather than a genuine effort to reform as police were about to capture him in a village just north- Defense lawyers boycotted the trial, alleging the to cling to power. the state. west of Ostrava, regional police chief Tomas Kuzel said. “We proceedings were “politicized” and impacted by a cli- Former prime ministers Ahmed Ouyahia and The military high command, which has long wield- identified the gunman using hospital cameras. We deployed mate of “settling scores”. The defendants protested ed power from behind the scenes, has now been two helicopters, identified his car... and when one helicopter Abdelmalek Sellal, who were both close to the ousted descended over the car, he shot himself in the head,” Kuzel president, were sentenced to 15 years and 12 years their innocence and spent the trial shifting blame forced to take a visible, frontline role in government - among themselves. Before the court retired to delib- but has rejected the demands of protesters and civil told reporters. Interior Minister Jan Hamacek said the man respectively. It was the first time since Algeria’s inde- died despite resuscitation efforts. pendence from France in 1962 that former prime min- erate, former prime minister Sellal broke down in society for sweeping reforms. It has paid little atten- tears and begged for leniency, saying, “I don’t have Police said the gunman had used the Czech-made nine- isters were put on trial. The state prosecutor had tion to popular calls to replace the constitution that millimetre semi-automatic CZ 75 pistol in the attack, which sought 20-year prison sentences for the two ex-pre- much time left to live.” In closing remarks Sunday, the served to legitimise Bouteflika’s grip on power. took place shortly after 0600 GMT. “As far as we know, the miers. In all, 19 defendants were tried on charges prosecutor said the trial sent the message that Algeria Instead, the army has pushed for a swift election to man is not in our database of legal gun owners,” Kuzel said, ranging from money laundering to abuse of office and had changed this year and that “we are here to apply pick a replacement for Bouteflika, saying it is the only adding there was no indication that he had an accomplice. granting undue privileges in the nascent vehicle the will of the people”. route to resolving the political crisis. The man had three entries in his criminal record for violence assembly industry. While no opinion polls have been published, and theft, said Kuzel. Czech media identified the killer as a ‘Children of the system’ observers expect high levels of abstention, in keep- builder from the nearby Opava district. ‘Nepotism and favoritism’ But the high-profile prosecutions have done little ing with previous elections in a political system seen His boss, named as Ales Zygula, told the public Czech The Algerian automotive sector got its start in to win over the protesters, who have continued to by voters as rigid and unaccountable. The five can- Radio that the attacker had “decided he was seriously ill and that no one wanted to treat him”. “We noticed a slight 2014, via partnerships between foreign groups and take to the streets since Bouteflika’s resignation, didates in the poll have run low-key campaigns. All demanding the total dismantling of the military-domi- are considered “children of the system”, having change in his behavior,” he added. Prior to his death, police large Algerian corporations, many of which are owned had urged “maximum possible caution” as they tweeted by businessmen linked to Bouteflika’s entourage. One nated system that has ruled Algeria since independ- either supported Bouteflika or participated in his government - two as ministers and two as prime pictures of the man who had thick black hair and was wear- former industry minister, Abdeslam Bouchouareb, ence. Many fear the trials are little more than a high- ing a red and black jacket and trainers. —AFP who is on the run abroad, was sentenced in absentia level purge in a struggle between still-powerful ministers. —AFP 7 International Wednesday, December 11, 2019 Heroism, devastation after deadly volcano eruption in New Zealand Death toll mounts; relatives of the missing face agonizing wait WHAKATANE: Tales of heroism, devastation and horri- what scientists said was supersonic speed - followed by a fying injuries emerged yesterday after New Zealand’s “menacing” cloud of grey ash. Despite the danger, smouldering White Island volcano exploded, killing an Hopkins said the boat moved closer to the shore after estimated 14 people and turning what should have been seeing survivors jump from the island into the sea to an intrepid day trip into a nightmare. The number of con- escape. “I don’t think there was anyone that came off who firmed fatalities rose to six yesterday night after an wasn’t badly burnt,” he told the New Zealand Herald, injured person died in an Auckland hospital, police said. describing how victims screamed and went into shock as Eight more people were presumed dead after fellow tourists tried to tend to their blistered skin. Monday’s eruption, while dozens of others injured were being treated in hospital burns units across the country. ‘Very hard day’ Among the 47 people caught on the island during the Top New Zealand health official Pete Watson said 27 sudden blast were tourists from Australia, the United of the 34 survivors were being treated for burns to more States, Britain, China, Germany and Malaysia, as well as than 71 percent of their bodies. “It’s important not to local tour guides. As relatives of the missing faced an underestimate the gravity of the injuries suffered,” he agonizing wait to discover the fate of their loved ones, said. After an initial rush, concerns about further erup- police said conditions remained too dangerous for tions, poisonous gases and choking ash stalled efforts to recovery teams to set foot on the volcano. recover bodies. Amid questions about how tourists were allowed on The risks were underscored yesterday when a large- the island, police said they were opening an investigation but-harmless 5.0 magnitude earthquake struck to the into the circumstances of the deaths and injuries - but east of the disaster zone. Ardern said New Zealanders they backtracked on suggestions it could lead to criminal were mourning alongside those from overseas whose charges. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern praised the nationals were caught up in the disaster. “To those who crews of four rescue helicopters for landing on the island have lost or are missing family and friends, we share in soon after the eruption. “Those pilots made an incredibly your unfathomable grief and in your sorrow,” the prime brave decision under extraordinarily dangerous circum- minister said, just months after managing another nation- stances in an attempt to get people out,” she told al crisis during Christchurch’s deadly twin mosque reporters. attacks. Many of the victims are believed to be Intensive care paramedic Russell Clark was among Australian and Prime Minister Scott Morrison warned his those dispatched by helicopter to the volcano, which sits compatriots to brace for the worst. He said there were semi-submerged 50 kilometers out to sea. He was con- fears that three of the five dead were Australian, and WHAKATANE, New Zealand: New Zealand’s Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern (right) hugs a first responder from fronted by an “overwhelming” and “shocking” scene of another eight citizens were unaccounted for. “This is a the St John’s ambulance team at the Whakatane Fire Station yesterday. — AFP devastation. “We didn’t find any survivors,” he told very, very hard day for a lot of Australian families whose TVNZ, recalling a dust-covered helicopter grounded loved ones have been caught up in this terrible, terrible with its rotor blades damaged. “It was like... I’ve seen the tragedy,” he told reporters in Sydney. the island and they’re been confirmed as missing,” he of the Seas, which left Sydney on a 12-day voyage last ‘Chernobyl’ mini-series and it was just everything was The Malaysian government said one of its citizens had told AFP. “As far as we know they didn’t get back on the week. The island in the picturesque Bay of Plenty just blanketed in ash. “I can only imagine what it was like died and two British women were confirmed among ship.” The eruption at White Island - also known as attracts more than 17,000 visitors every year and is mar- for the people there at the time - they had nowhere to go those injured. With the island off-limits, Adelaide man Whakaari - occurred on Monday afternoon, spewing a keted as an experience for the adventurous traveler. But and an absolutely terrible experience for them.” Brian Dallow was anxiously awaiting news about his son thick plume of white ash 3.6 kilometers (12,000 feet) into the volcano’s threat level had been raised in recent days, New Zealander Geoff Hopkins’ tour boat was leaving Gavin, daughter-in-law Lisa, and her daughter Zoe the sky. At the time, visitors included a group of more leading to questions about whether tour groups should the island when a huge plume burst from the volcano - at Hosking, 15. “All we know at the moment is they were on than 30 from a Royal Caribbean cruise ship, the Ovation have been allowed to visit. — AFP

Temperatures in some inland areas eased Toxic bushfire past 44 degrees Celsius (111 Fahrenheit). The ‘big dry’ haze blankets To the northwest of Sydney, several Turkey says ready fires already burning for weeks have com- east Australia bined to create a “megafire” that has to send troops to already destroyed 319,000 hectares of land, mostly inside national parks. Prime Minister SYDNEY: Toxic haze blanketed Sydney Scott Morrison - who for weeks has not back Libyan govt yesterday triggering a chorus of smoke commented on the smoke haze — defended alarms to ring across the city and forcing his government’s handling of the fires and ANKARA: Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan school children inside, as “severe” weather said there were no plans to professionalize said yesterday he was ready to send troops to Libya if conditions fuelled deadly bush blazes along the countryside’s largely volunteer force. requested by the internationally recognized govern- Australia’s east coast. Fire engines raced “Our policy is sensible when it comes to ment in Tripoli. “On the issue of sending soldiers... If office-to-office in the city centre with addressing and taking action on climate Libya makes such a request from us, we can send our sirens blaring, as inland bushfires poured change. Our actions on climate change are personnel there, especially after striking the military smoke laden with toxic particles into com- getting the results they’re intended to get,” security agreement,” he said in a televised appear- mercial buildings. he said. Morrison’s conservative coalition ance. Turkey signed a military agreement last month Emergency services responded to an has been criticized by former fire chiefs for with Libya’s Government of National Accord, led by “unprecedented” 500 automatic call-outs failing to heed warnings about climate SYDNEY: Tourists wearing masks take photos as the Opera House is enveloped Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj. inside a few hours according to New South in haze caused by nearby bushfires yesterday. — AFP change. The crisis has been propelled by a Wales Fire and Rescue’s Roger Mentha. A prolonged drought that has made vegeta- It came after media reports that Russia had sent regional fire headquarters miles from the tion tinder dry. The Bureau of Meteorology 200 mercenaries to support Libya’s military strongman nearest blazes was itself evacuated while been smothered in smoke as drought and South Wales and Queensland also went has reported that Australia experienced its Khalifa Haftar, who is seeking to unseat the Tripoli- throngs of mask-wearing commuters climate-fuelled bushfires have burned. But ahead, despite a barely visible ball. driest November on record this year. based government. Russia has denied the reports, but choked their way through thick acrid air the scale of the problem yesterday shocked Yesterday had been expected to bring The “big dry” has left farmers desper- Erdogan said: “There is a security company from and the organizers of a harbor yacht race even hardened residents. Bruce Baker - an strong winds and high temperatures that ate and small towns facing the prospect of Russia (in Libya) called Wagner. This company sent its declared it was unsafe to proceed. 82-year-old who lives in Gosford, north of made for “severe conditions where embers running out of water completely. A swathe security staff there.” The Wagner Group is a shadowy “The smoke from all the fires is just so Sydney - said he was skipping his daily can be blown ahead of the fire into suburbs of the east of the country has seen “rainfall private security firm and thousands of its security con- severe here on the harbor that you just can’t morning walk because of the smoke. “This and threaten properties.” deficiencies” since early 2017 — almost tractors are believed to be in foreign conflicts from see anything, so it’s just too dangerous,” is the worst it’s been, for sure,” he told AFP. But New South Wales Rural Fire three years. Many dams in New South Syria to Ukraine to the Central African Republic. said spokeswoman Di Pearson of an event “It dries your throat. Even if you’re not Service said “deteriorating fire conditions Wales are empty and almost all are well At the same time as the military deal, Turkey that normally foreshadows the famed asthmatic, you feel it.” have been delayed by a thick blanket of below capacity. Firefighters south of also signed a controversial maritime jurisdiction Sydney-Hobart yacht race. “The vision is Authorities recommended that the vul- smoke” over the east of the state. As the Brisbane recently reported 1,000 liters of agreement with Sarraj, giving sweeping rights for just so poor.” Some of the city’s commuter nerable cease outdoor activity altogether day developed there were nearly 100 water were stolen from tanks at their sta- Turkey to explore for oil in the Mediterranean. ferries were also cancelled “due to thick and that everyone stay inside as much as bushfire incidents in the state of New tion. Amid the shortage, yesterday also “With the new line drawn (by the maritime agree- smoke” and school kids were kept inside at possible, although one couple braved the South Wales alone and dozens more in saw the toughest water restrictions in a ment), we will take steps to protect the interests of breaktime and sent home early as pollution toxic air to get married on the waterfront Queensland. Total fire bans were put in decade being introduced for Sydney - Libya, Turkey and the TRNC (Turkish Republic of levels soared far above “hazardous” levels. in front of Sydney Harbour Bridge shroud- place across much of the east of the coun- with curbs on everything from hosepipe Northern Cyprus). — AFP For weeks the east of the country has ed in smog. A cricket match between New try and in large parts of western Australia. use to washing cars.— AFP

tion, and mothers identified by their repeated Pompeo raises detained Caring killer whale association with their young calves. grandmothers help Babysitting American case with Egypt The team, which also included scientists from the University of Exeter, the US Center for calves survive Whale Research and Canada’s Pacific Biological WASHINGTON: Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Station, focused on 378 individuals known to Monday raised with Egypt the case of a New York taxi driver have a maternal grandmother. They found that held for six years by the close US ally. The State Department WASHINGTON: Doting killer whale grandmoth- those whose grandmother died within the last said Pompeo brought up human rights as he discussed the ers help their grand calves survive, particularly in two years had a mortality rate 4.5 times higher “strong strategic partnership” with Egypt in a meeting with times of food scarcity, scientists reported than those with a living grandmother, in the two Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry. “The secretary also raised Monday in a paper that sheds new light on the years following her death. The effect was signif- concerns over press freedom, human rights and Americans evolutionary role of menopause. Orca females icantly amplified in years of fish scarcity, which detained in Egypt, including Moustafa Kassem,” the State stop reproducing in their thirties or forties but the researchers judged through data on annual Department said in a statement. can continue to live for decades more, a phenom- catches of Chinook salmon, and diminished in Kassem, who is originally from Egypt, was arrested in 2013 enon known only to exist in humans and four oth- years of plenty. on a visit back to Cairo as authorities cracked down on er mammal species, all of which are whales. “We have previously shown that post-repro- protests against the now president, Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, who It has been suggested that the trait evolved ductive grandmothers lead the group around had seized power in a coup. Kassem denied he was joining because it allowed post reproductive females to foraging grounds, and that they are important in protests, saying he had gone out shopping during the visit help their wider kin — referred to as the “grand- doing that in times of need, when the salmon are back from New York to see his wife and two young children. mother effect” in people, but the theory had not scarce,” Franks explained. “They are also known He was nonetheless sentenced last year in a mass trial with been tested in whales until now. “This is the first to directly share food with younger relatives. hundreds of defendants to 15 years in prison on charges of non-human example of the grandmother effect in We also suspect babysitting,” he added. While trying to overthrow the government, according to his lawyers. a menopausal species,” senior author Daniel the researchers identified a grandmother effect President Donald Trump has developed a warm relation- Franks from the University of York said. “It has was at play, these benefits alone do not explain ship with Sisi, who overthrew an elected Islamist and has tak- also been shown in elephants, but they are able to why orca females lose reproductive capacity at en a hard line against the Muslim Brotherhood. But human reproduce until the end of their lives. We current- WASHINGTON: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (right) shakes midlife: elephant grandmothers help their rights groups say Sisi has clamped down heavily on freedoms, ly know of only five species that go through grandchildren too while continuing to breed with the Committee to Protect Journalists saying Egypt is the hands with Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry at the Department of State on Monday. — AFP menopause: the others are short-finned pilot until they die. third biggest jailer of journalists in the world after China and whales, narwhals and beluga.” The team wrote that continued reproductive Turkey. Pompeo last month called publicly on Egypt to Writing in the Proceedings of the National capacity might come at a cost for whales and for “respect freedom of the press and release journalists” after a Renaissance Dam would disrupt the river that provides more Academy of Sciences, Franks and colleagues humans, such as intergenerational conflict raid on news outlet Mada Masr, whose journalists were than 90 percent of parched Egypt’s drinking water. In a joint examined more than 40 years of census data on between mothers and their daughters in competi- ordered to unlock and hand over their phones and laptops. statement, the three countries agreed to keep working to their two killer whale groups off the coasts of the US tion for males. “In killer whales, when mothers and goal of a January 15 deal and said that two further meetings state of Washington as well as Canada’s British daughters cobreed, the calves of mothers from More talks on dam would focus on technical details. The three foreign ministers Columbia. The individuals were identified by their (the) older generation have significantly higher The Egyptian foreign minister was in Washington for the “recognize that there are substantial benefits to all three unique fin shapes, saddle patches and the pres- mortality,” the paper said. Moving forward, the latest talks involving Ethiopia and Sudan to resolve a rift over countries in developing rules and guidelines to address ence of nicks and scratches, and sexed by the dis- researchers would like to hone in more precisely a massive dam that Ethiopia is building on the Nile. Sisi asked drought conditions,” said the statement released by the US on how members of the close-knit family-based for Trump’s mediation out of fear that the Grand Ethiopian tinct pigmentation around their genitals as well as Treasury Department, which is leading the mediation. — AFP adult fin size. Their relations to one another were species help and harm each other, using drones to inferred through observations of social organiza- examine these behaviors. — AFP 8 International Wednesday, December 11, 2019 Labour seizes on healthcare scandal ahead of election Johnson criticized for response to photo of sick child

LONDON: Britain’s main opposition Labour party yes- also point to a general mistrust of Corbyn’s non-com- terday sought to pile pressure on the ruling mittal position on Brexit - and frustrations over the Conservatives over state-run healthcare in a bid to Conservatives’ handling of the NHS. Johnson has almost exploit a government weakness and divert attention exclusively focused on his government’s determination from its message on Brexit. Opinion polls show to “get Brexit done” and honor the result of the 2016 Johnson’s Conservatives enjoying a comfortable lead referendum on European Union membership. before an election that Prime Minister Boris Johnson The Politico news site said “any day that the conver- has called the “most important in a generation”. sation is about the pressure on the NHS is a tactical Johnson’s minority government hopes to secure a par- win for Labour”, with swing voters seen as key to vic- liamentary majority tomorrow to help him pull Britain tory tomorrow. “For the campaign to have been domi- out of the European Union by the end of next month. nated so far this week by a row over (accident and But a ruling party memo published by the pro- emergency) departments is fairly disastrous for the Conservative Daily Telegraph newspaper warned that Conservatives,” it added. just 40,000 votes in 12 constituencies could see Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn becoming prime minister. ‘Heartbreaking image’ The veteran socialist is trying to stage a late surge by Britain’s partisan media has assumed a dominant role focusing on Tory funding of the taxpayer-funded in the final stretch of a manic five-week campaign that National Health Service (NHS) since the party came to has seen Corbyn and Johnson spend most of their time power nine years ago. on the road. The Labour-supporting Daily Mirror news- Labour claims nearly 4,700 deaths recorded paper devoted its first seven pages yesterday to the between Oct 2018 and Nov 2019 could be attributed to health of the NHS, a day after publishing a front-page “patient safety incidents” that resulted from NHS photo of a small boy with suspected pneumonia who was staffing constraints. “The NHS has to be properly fund- forced to sleep on a hospital floor. It followed up with ed and at the moment it isn’t,” said Corbyn, who has another of a sick baby resting in an armchair because of warned that the Tories want to sell off the NHS to pri- a lack of beds. “Another day, anther heartbreaking image vate firms, threatening its key principle of free treat- of a sick child that shames the (Conservatives) of starv- MORECAMBE, United Kingdom: Opposition Labour party leader Jeremy Corbyn reacts as he makes a ment for all. “All research shows there’s a very large ing the NHS of cash,” the newspaper wrote. Christmas gift in a reindeer-themed bag during a campaign event at Sandylands Community Primary number of hospitals where patients are at risk because Johnson drew criticism on Monday when he was School yesterday. —AFP of staff shortages, because of a lack of equipment, confronted on camera and asked to comment on the because of poor maintenance of hospital buildings,” he photograph of the boy on a journalist’s phone. He told BBC television. “It is a serious issue.” refused and instead grabbed the reporter’s phone sorry to have taken your phone.” “horrified” by the picture. Asked if he had come and put it in his pocket. He eventually looked and Opposition parties were quick to share the footage because the Conservatives were panicked by the pos- Tactical win said it was a “terrible, terrible photo” before giving on social media, saying it showed Johnson had no sible impact of the photo on the campaign, Hancock Studies suggest that voters place the fate of the back the phone. “On the whole I think patients in the empathy for patients. Health minister Matt Hancock said: “No, what people want to see is the substance of NHS as the second-most important issue behind Brexit NHS have a much, much better experience than this later made an unscheduled visit to the hospital in the increased investment...making sure we are dealing and Britain’s relations with the rest of the world. They poor kid has had,” he added, before saying: “I am central English city of Leeds, saying he had been with the problems.” —Agencies

disruption across the Irish Sea, particu- port for Fine Gael at 30 percent, with a Irish govt larly when it appeared earlier this year strong lead over Fianna Fail on 24 per- that it might leave the bloc with no new cent. But Fine Gael was down two points arrangements in place. But if Prime as Fianna Fail remains constant. Last Christmas repeats: stumbles as Minister Boris Johnson is re-elected this month, Fine Gael lawmaker Maria Bailey week with a parliamentary majority, he was deselected from the party after a election looms promises to get Britain out of the bloc on row over her decision to sue a hotel for a UK PM copies ‘Love January 31 with a deal. personal injuries claim. DUBLIN: As political chaos reigned The end to this period of prolonged Bailey fell from an indoor swing Actually’ spoof across the sea in Britain, Ireland’s two uncertainty could give Varadkar a popu- whilst holding a bottle of beer in 2015 main parties have been working together larity boost, as the leader who avoided a and claimed she suffered a back injury. LONDON: Boris Johnson yesterday faced claims of to limit the damage of Brexit - but not no-deal divorce. An October Irish But she ran a 10-km race in under an Leo Varadkar plagiarism after copying a spoof version of a scene for much longer. The alliance is cracking Times/Ipsos MRBI found Varadkar had a hour three weeks later. With Fine Gael from the hit Christmas film “Love Actually” as part and both are now preparing for an elec- 51 percent approval rating after key pushing to reform Ireland’s “compensa- ‘End of the line’ of his election campaign. Britain’s prime minister is tion early next year, with Prime Minister Brexit talks with Johnson, up 15 points in tion culture”, her actions have been an Fine Gael is also being grilled for seen in a social media clip taking the part of actor Leo Varadkar’s ruling Fine Gael party in five months. acute embarrassment. Last week MP growing concerns about healthcare and Andrew Lincoln, who turns up to profess his undy- a ramshackle state. Beset by scandal, the Dara Murphy also resigned from the housing. Key infrastructure projects ing love for Keira Knightley by showing her flash- centre-right party may even be forced Embarrassments party, after reports he drew a salary including a national broadband plan and a cards. One of the cards Johnson shows a house- from power before its pact with the main After nine years in power, Fine Gael and expenses whilst largely absent, children’s hospital are running at inflated holder in his “Vote Conservative Actually” clip says: opposition Fianna Fail expires. But highlights its stewardship of the econo- working in Brussels with the European costs. Some 215,000 children are on “With any luck, by next year we’ll have Brexit done Varadkar could win a boost if Britain, my following a ruinous recession, as People’s Party. waiting lists for healthcare services, with (if Parliament doesn’t block it again). which holds its own election tomorrow, well as a new era of momentous social A Fine Gael candidate in a recent more than one in four waiting for longer “Your vote has never been more important, the can break the political deadlock over change. As a mixed-race, gay and by-election, Verona Murphy, also apol- than a year, RTE reports. Meanwhile, the other guy could win, so you have a choice to make leaving the European Union. As Britain’s young prime minister, Varadkar himself ogised after telling the Irish Times that number of homeless families has between a working majority or another gridlocked closest neighbor, EU member Ireland is the embodiment of a leader keyed members of the Islamic State terror increased by 380 percent since Oct 2014, hung parliament.” The clip has been seen more than stands most to lose from a disorderly into the progressive attitude of a liber- group formed “a big part of the migrant according to charity Focus Ireland. 1.5 million times since it was posted on Johnson’s divorce. alising Ireland. He took the Roman population” in Ireland. Fine Gael failed Rents have risen for 14 consecutive Twitter account on Monday, two days before Catholic country known for deep reli- to win any of the four seats up for grabs quarters, according to property website Britain votes in its third election in four years. A Brexit bonus? gious conservatism into the landmark in the by-elections but two went to Daft. Last week a confidence motion was But a candidate with the main opposition Fianna Fail initially agreed to prop up 2018 referendum that ended the ban on Fianna Fail. “The precious commodity brought against housing minister Eoghan Labour party, Rosena Allin-Khan, had already Varadkar’s Fine Gael-led minority gov- abortion. that is political momentum lies not with Murphy. With the support of independent posted her version of the scene on Nov 22, as part ernment in 2016, and the two sides But the party has been hit by a series the government party but with the MPs, he won by just three votes. “It is of her re-election campaign. “With any luck next pledged to extend the alliance through of scandals and its poll ratings are suf- opposition,” wrote state broadcaster abundantly clear the administration has year I’ll be your MP,” the candidate for a London 2019 as Brexit headwinds grew worse. fering. Mid-November results from a RTE’s political correspondent Micheal reached the end of the line,” wrote Irish constituency tells a man on the doorstep, as Britain’s EU exit risks huge economic Business Post/Red C poll indicated sup- Lehane. Times political editor Pat Leahy. —AFP Christmas carols play on portable speakers. “And our country won’t be run by these muppets,” she special treatment,” he said, taking aim at adds, showing another card with photographs of Bloomberg: long-standing policies as well as new ones Johnson, members of his government and US put in place by Trump. President Donald Trump. The money saved could be invested in Allin-Khan called Johnson’s version a “copycat” Solving climate clean energy “to create a lot of jobs,” he of her original clip. A third online parody of the added. “If we take these steps, I’m really scene has Johnson as the householder answering crisis requires optimistic we can succeed.” Bloomberg the door to Trump, who tells him: “With any luck by arrived at the 196-nation talks, set to close next year you’ll be selling off the NHS.” —AFP Friday, along with A-list actor Harrison leadership Ford and outgoing Bank of England Governor Mark Carney, newly appointed as MADRID: The world doesn’t need a mira- the UN’s Special Envoy for Climate Change Co-inventor of cle to tame global warming, just leadership, and Finance. In the wake of the 2015 Paris US presidential hopeful Michael Bloomberg Agreement, Carney and Bloomberg told UN climate talks yesterday in Madrid, launched an initiative encouraging busi- barcode Laurer calling for an end to government handouts nesses to evaluate and communicate their to oil, gas and coal companies. The self- exposure to climate risk. made billionaire and former mayor of New “Businesses understand what’s at stake dies aged 94 York took a detour from his bid to capture and they are not waiting for better leader- the Democratic Party nomination and run ship in Washington,” Bloomberg said. MIAMI: US engineer George J Laurer, who co- against Donald Trump, who has aggressive- invented the barcode and helped to transform the Sebastien Treyer, director of environmental MADRID: Democratic presidential hopeful Michael Bloomberg speaks during an ly promoted fossil fuels and dismissed cli- watchdog IDDRI, told AFP that event on sustainable finance within the UN Climate Change Conference COP25 retail world in the 1970s, has died at age 94. The for- mate change as a hoax. mer IBM employee’s funeral was held Monday in his Bloomberg’s appearance would “boost yesterday. —AFP “Beating climate change won’t require a morale” at the talks. “The ‘we are still in’ hometown of Wendell, North Carolina, according to a miracle, it won’t require limitless resources, family obituary. He died at home last week. Laurer is message is very important and to have a it will require leadership and common personality such as his is very important, brought the same message to the strug- “For years, a variety of stakeholders have recognized as the co-inventor of the Universal sense,” Bloomberg told a roundtable on cli- gling UN talks, where major economies used conferences like the UNFCCC COP to Product Code (UPC), or barcode, which can be found particularly since he has a lot of influence in mate finance organized by the Spanish the New York finance community.” have balked at boosting pledges to reduce promote their own views,” a State on millions of products, services and other items for government. “The next president of the greenhouse gas emissions. Elan Strait, Department spokesperson said when asked identification. United States should end all subsidies to director of US climate Campaigns WWF to comment. “The United States has been a The marking - made up of black bars of varying ‘Desperate for leadership’ fossil fuel companies and fossil fuel extrac- Last week, Nancy Pelosi headed a 15- said. “The world is desperate to hear real strong advocate for meaningful engage- thickness and a 12-digit number - can be scanned, tion, and that includes tax breaks and other American leadership on climate change.” ment by interested observers.” —AFP quickly identifying the product and its price. In strong US Congressional delegation that 1969, Laurer rose to become senior IBM engineer and scientist in Raleigh, the capital of North Microsoft, alleging “unmistakable bias” in the process. ing maintained. “DoD’s substantial and pervasive errors are hard Carolina, according to a tribute posted on the com- Amazon alleges Trump The 10-year contract for the Joint Enterprise Defense to understand and impossible to assess separate and apart from pany’s website. Infrastructure program, better known as JEDI, ultimately will the president’s repeatedly expressed determination to, in the “Only a few years later, in 1973, Laurer went on to abused power in huge see all military branches sharing information in a system boost- words of the president himself, ‘screw Amazon.’” spearhead the development of the now-ubiquitous ed by artificial intelligence. A heavily redacted filing detailed The bid protest filed in US Court of Federal Claims urges Universal Product Code (UPC) symbol that revolu- alleged errors that ended with Microsoft being chosen over its that the rival JEDI bids be re-evaluated and a new decision tionized virtually every industry in the world,” it said. Pentagon contract Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud computing division, part of reached. “The question is whether the president of the United Fellow IBM employee Norman Woodland, who died in the technology group led by Amazon chief Jeff Bezos, a fre- States should be allowed to use the budget of DoD to pursue 2012, is considered the pioneer of the barcode idea, SAN FRANCISCO: Amazon is alleging that US President Donald quent target of the US president. his own personal and political ends,” Amazon said. Amazon was which he initially based on Morse code. Woodland Trump abused the power of his office to deny the company a “They were the result of improper pressure from President considered the lead contender to provide technology for JEDI, patented the concept in 1952 but was unable to massive military cloud computing contract, court documents Donald J. Trump, who launched repeated public and behind- with AWS dominating the cloud computing arena and the com- develop it - years before low-cost laser and comput- released Monday showed. The technology giant is challenging the the-scenes attacks to steer the JEDI contract away from AWS pany already providing classified servers for other government ing technology. —AFP awarding of a $10 billion Pentagon cloud computing contract to to harm his perceived political enemy - Jeffrey P Bezos,” the fil- outfits including the CIA. —AFP 9 International Wednesday, December 11, 2019 Rohingya pray for justice at Myanmar genocide hearings Bangladesh starts fencing Rohingya camps

THE HAGUE: Members of Myanmar’s Rohingya Muslim minori- United States stopped short of calling it genocide, it said the acts ty prayed for justice on the eve of hearings at the UN’s amounted to “ethnic cleansing” and imposed sanctions against International Court of Justice during which leader Aung San Suu military leaders. Kyi will defend the country against genocide charges. Gambia Gambia, a tiny, mainly Muslim West African country, will launched proceedings against the Buddhist-majority Myanmar argue that by either enabling or failing to prevent genocide in November, accusing it of violating its obligations under the Myanmar failed to meet its requirements under the convention. 1948 Genocide Convention. It is only the third genocide case The tribunal, also known as the World Court, has no enforcement filed at the court since World War Two. powers, but its rulings are final and have significant legal weight. During three days of court proceedings Suu Kyi, a Nobel Meanwhile, the Bangladeshi military has started erecting Peace laureate, is expected to repeat denials of genocide and fences around camps housing hundreds of thousands of argue that military operations in question were a legitimate Rohingya refugees despite complaints from community leaders counterterrorism response to attacks by Rohingya militants. This and rights groups. An AFP correspondent yesterday saw troops week’s proceedings before a panel of 17 judges will not deal with in military fatigues erecting pillars for barbed-wire fences the core allegation of genocide, but Gambia has requested a around one large camp at Balukhali in the southeastern border court order for Myanmar to halt any activity that may aggravate district Cox’s Bazar. Bangladesh’s refugee commissioner the dispute. Mahhbub Alam Talukder confirmed to AFP that construction had Gambia will argue that Myanmar’s forces carried out wide- begun but declined to comment further. spread and systematic atrocities under a campaign known as Army chief General Aziz Ahmed said late last month that “operation clearance”, from August 2017 that constituted geno- army engineers had begun erecting the pillars and that the mili- cide. Its court petition accused Myanmar of genocidal acts tary has “placed orders” for barbed wire. The camps house “intended to destroy the Rohingya as a group, in whole or in nearly a million members of the mostly Muslim Rohingya minori- part, by the use of mass murder, rape and other forms of sexual ty, around 750,000 of whom fled a military offensive in neigh- violence, as well as the systematic destruction by fire of their vil- boring Myanmar in Aug 2017. lages, often with inhabitants locked inside burning houses.” Frustration has been growing in Bangladesh about hosting More than 730,000 Rohingya fled Myanmar in 2017 after the the refugees, particularly since the latest attempt to repatriate military-led crackdown and were forced into squalid camps them to Myanmar failed in August. The refugees are already for- across the border in Bangladesh. Hasina Begum, 22, said she was bidden to leave the camps although their sprawling nature among many women raped by Myanmar soldiers who also means authorities have been unable to police all their move- burned down her village. “They have done these things to me, to ments. New checkpoints on the main roads leading to the camps my relatives and my friends. I can tell them face to face, looking stop Rohingya and send them back to the settlements when they UKHIA, Bangladesh: A Rohingya balloon seller walks along a street in Balukhali refugee camp them in the eyes, because I am not lying,” she told Reuters. try to travel to other parts of Bangladesh. yesterday. —AFP Leaving the refugee camp in Bangladesh for the first time It has imposed a blackout on high-speed Internet in the since she fled, Hasina arrived in The Hague on Monday with two Rohingya settlements, confiscated SIM cards and mobile phones other victims and an interpreter. “I feel great,” Hasina said from used by the refugees, and filed cases against hundreds for ille- ‘Big prison’ “The Bangladesh government now risks squandering the glob- her hotel room on the eve of hearings. “Myanmar military raped gally obtaining citizenship cards. The move to construct barbed- Earlier rights groups also condemned the move, saying the al goodwill it had earned when it allowed the Rohingya to many of our women. We want justice with the help of the inter- wire fences has been condemned by Rohingya leaders who said fencing could transform the camps into “a big prison”. “The cross into safety,” he added. national community.” they would create a “panic” among the Rohingya. “It will restrict Bangladesh government shouldn’t turn Rohingya refugee UN experts have expressed serious concerns about these Back at the camp, some Rohingya said they were praying to our movement. We have to walk a long distance to get food camps into open air prisons. Barbed wire and guard towers restrictions. Local resident Abdul Gaffar, who lives near the see justice delivered, while others posted on Twitter that they rations from the authorities,” said Mohammad Hashim as he should be reserved for criminals, not people who fled Balukhali camp, also complained. “The pillars erected for fencing intended to fast to mark the event. The United Nations has said watched troops digging holes for pillars. “The children won’t be Myanmar to escape from mass atrocities,” Brad Adams, Asia were constructed on the locals’ paddy field. Many locals living the campaign was executed with “genocidal intent”. While the able to play anymore.” director at Human Rights Watch, said in a comment to AFP. here will also be trapped inside fences,” he said. —Agencies

he would be “surprised if North Korea acted hostiley”. US, North Korea In a rare personal attack on Trump since the start of diplomacy, Kim Yong Chol, a longtime aide to the top leader, called the US president a “heedless and erratic on collision course old man” and condemned his “odd words and expres- sion”. If Trump is not “astonished” by North Korea’s Mahathir pledges as deadline looms response, “we will be irritated,” Kim said in a statement quoted by the official Korean Central News Agency. to step down for WASHINGTON: Tensions are quickly rising between The United States, which holds this month’s presi- the United States and North Korea, which has ramped dency of the Security Council, called Wednesday’s up pressure as it demands concessions by President meeting to give a “comprehensive update” on the Anwar, but not Donald Trump’s administration by the end of the year. Korean peninsula and postponed a session on the The United States called a UN Security Council meet- authoritarian state’s human rights record, a State before November Department spokesperson said. The meeting will look ing for today on North Korea’s series of rocket launch- SEOUL: A signpost showing the directions and distances from at “recent missile launches and the possibility of an KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s Mahathir Mohamad, the es, the latest return to antagonism as diplomacy lan- Seoul to Washington and Pyongyang is displayed in a park world’s oldest prime minister, promised yesterday to guishes. Monday’s announcement came two days after escalatory DPRK provocation,” the spokesperson said, yesterday. —AFP North Korea claimed to have carried out a “very referring to the North by its official name, the hand over power to anointed successor Anwar Ibrahim in important” but otherwise unspecified test, in a hint that Democratic People’s Republic of Korea. The Security spite of new sexual assault allegations against him. it may have further actions in store. Council also met last week behind closed doors at the about the authoritarian state. Mahathir, 94, told Reuters in an interview that he would Trump has met three times with North Korean best of European nations to condemn 13 missile tests But the North Koreans have “put themselves in a not hand over before a summit of Asia-Pacific Economic leader Kim Jong Un to discuss Pyongyang’s nuclear by North Korea. box” and could alienate China, their main diplomatic Cooperation (APEC) countries that Malaysia is to host in November but could be ready after that. program, describing him a friend and hailing the com- ally and aid provider, if they take major action such as a North Korea ‘in a box’ new nuclear test or a long-range ballistic missile test, “I made a promise to hand over and I will, accepting parative calm achieved since 2017 when fears were that I thought that a change immediately before the Frank Aum, a senior expert on North Korea at Aum said. “They have to respond to the end-of-year growing of all-out war. But North Korea is seeking a APEC summit would be disruptive,” Mahathir said. “As comprehensive deal that includes sanctions relief, espe- the US Institute of Peace, said Pyongyang is raising deadline passing, otherwise it looks pretty stupid, but far I’m concerned, I’m stepping down and I’m handing cially with Trump heading next year into a potentially the temperature as it believes the United States is at the same time they can’t respond too robustly, other- the baton to him. If people don’t want him, that is their difficult re-election fight. in no rush to make a deal. “I think they have decid- wise they will get a hard response back from the US business, but I will do my part of the promise... irrespec- ed, we don’t want to play the US game, where the and also China,” Aum said. He said the United States tive of whatever allegation. I made my promise, I keep my Insults back US gets all the benefits of reduced military ten- and North Korea could work out an interim deal which promise.” Asked if a handover could come in Dec 2020, Trump said Saturday that Kim has “too much to lose, sions and North Korea gets no benefits,” said Aum, does not satisfy either side but serves as a base and Mahathir said: “We’ll look at that when the time comes.” everything actually, if he acts in a hostile way” and said who formerly advised the US defense secretary avoids a flare-up. —AFP The turbulent relationship between the two men - allies turned fierce rivals who later reunited to win power - has shaped politics in the Southeast Asian country for decades. Mahathir was unexpectedly elected in 2018 as ‘No compromise’ the head of a coalition government whose largest party is Duterte to lift led by Anwar, 72, who has been jailed twice on separate counts of sodomy and for corruption - charges he says on human rights in were political. Last week, Anwar denied fresh allegations martial law in by a former aide that he had tried to force him to have sex - describing the accusations as “politics at its worst”. Philippines: Bono It is Mahathir’s second stint as Malaysia’s premier, a S Philippines post he previously held for 22 years from 1981 to 2003. MANILA: U2 frontman Bono said yesterday there must MANILA: President Rodrigo Duterte will lift martial law in Anwar was his deputy from 1993 to 1998, when the two be no compromise on human rights, in a rebuke of fell out. Anwar was jailed the following year. Although the southern Philippines by year’s end, his spokesman said Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte ahead of the Irish yesterday, more than two years after it was imposed in an Mahathir promised to hand over to Anwar during the rockers’ first Manila concert. The Philippine leader has 2018 election campaign, doubts grew over his intentions attempt to stop the Islamic State group gaining a foothold waged a deadly war on drugs that has claimed thou- there. Duterte put the Mindanao region under military rule when he later said he needed more time to steer the sands of lives. Overwhelmingly backed by Filipinos but heavily-indebted country out of its troubles first. in May 2017, hours after gunmen flying the black IS flag condemned by critics who say it is a war crime, the seized the mainly Muslim city of Marawi, sparking a five- MANILA: U2 frontman singer Bono speaks to the media during a Mahathir said he hoped for an out-of-court settlement killings by police as well as unknown suspects are the month battle that left 1,200 people dead. signing ceremony yesterday. —AFP with Goldman Sachs soon over the 1MDB scandal that “The (presidential) palace is confident on the capability subject of a preliminary inquiry by the International sent Malaysia’s debt soaring. He also raised the possibili- of our security forces in maintaining the peace and securi- Criminal Court prosecutor. ty of selling stakes in state energy firm Petronas to oil ty of Mindanao without extending martial law” beyond The rock icon, a longtime member of Amnesty Duterte is very popular. He doesn’t need me on his and gas-rich provinces. Dec 31, presidential spokesman Salvador Panelo said in a International, a critic of Duterte’s drug war, said human side.” U2 are in Asia for their Joshua Tree Tour 2019 statement. Duterte’s security advisers had apprised him of rights are “critical” which he takes “very seriously”. “I that will wrap up in the Indian city of Mumbai on Not tired the “weakening of the terrorist and extremist rebellion, a would just say you can’t compromise on human rights Sunday. Earlier stops included Brisbane, Adelaide, Firing back responses to questions from his perch on result of the capture or neutralisation of their leaders, as and that’s my soft message to the president,” Bono said, Melbourne, Sydney and Perth, as well as Singapore, a sofa in his palatial office at Putrajaya on the outskirts of well as the decrease in the crime index,” Panelo added. when asked about his views on the Philippines’ overall Tokyo and Seoul. Kuala Lumpur, Mahathir said he did not feel tired despite Martial law had allowed the military to establish human rights situation in the country. Bono was not the first outspoken musician to speak his age because he was satisfied by his work. “I try to do control with measures like curfews, checkpoints and Duterte, elected in a landslide in 2016, told support- out against Duterte’s drug war. In 2016, American singer some minor exercise, but mainly I keep my weight sta- ble,” he said. “I’ve been 62 kilos for the past 30 or 40 gun controls in a nation where many civilians own ers on the stump to “forget the laws on human rights” James Taylor cancelled his planned Manila concert to firearms, either legally or illegally. Suspects could also as he vowed to kill 100,000 criminals and dump their years, it doesn’t change. I don’t eat very much, and I don’t protest extrajudicial killings in the country. Duterte’s eat... when food tastes nice. I don’t overeat.” be detained for longer periods without criminal bodies into Manila Bay to fatten the fish. He has also drug war has killed over 5,500 alleged dealers and users charges being filed in court. However martial law is a As well as planning to be the first leader in the world told police he will have their backs, vowing to hand out who fought back during arrests, but watchdogs say the to host the APEC summit twice, Mahathir has been push- contentious issue in a country ruled for 20 years by presidential pardons should they be prosecuted and actual toll is at least four times higher. International the late deposed dictator Ferdinand Marcos, who ing to cement his legacy as a leader in the Muslim world. sent to jail while enforcing his crackdown. Criminal Court prosecutors have launched a preliminary A summit in Kuala Lumpur next week would bring lead- Duterte has hailed as the greatest leader the Asian Bono, in Manila for a U2 concert today, said he has probe of the killing, and the UN’s top rights body voted nation ever had. —AFP ers from Iran, Pakistan, Turkey and other Muslim coun- no plans to see the Filipino leader, adding: “President in favor an in-depth review. —AFP tries, officials said. Mahathir said the meeting would look into situations where Muslims were being oppressed. That would include allegations of rights abuses custom, researchers said yesterday. A new study pub- strangers,” said Jennifer Thomson, who worked on the against Uighur Muslims in China’s Xinjiang region, 8 in 10 girls in Nepal lished days after the latest victim suffocated to death study, published in the journal Sexual and Reproductive Mahathir said, while adding prospects for action by the found nearly eight out of 10 girls in Karnali, a province Health Matters. Muslim world were limited. “Taking a stand is one thing, forced to sleep in western Nepal where the practice is prevalent, were “Even if they hadn’t experienced that directly, the doing something that can improve this situation is banished from their homes while menstruating. psychological stress of that was quite real,” added another thing. You take a stand which may well result in Because menstruating girls and women are viewed as Thomson, a lecturer in comparative politics at Britain’s more pressures being applied and it is not going to do outside during periods impure, many have to sleep in huts, where they are at University of Bath. The centuries-old Hindu practice us any good,” he said. “The Muslim world cannot chal- risk of being raped, bitten by snakes or dying from car- known as chhaupadi was outlawed in 2005, but penalties lenge anybody. We are very weak. Anybody can manip- KATHMANDU: Teenage girls are still being forced to bon dioxide poisoning from fires lit to keep warm. “The including a fine and jail time were only introduced last ulate us, they can even make us fight each other. That’s sleep outside during their periods in parts of Nepal women and girls we spoke to were terrified of snakes year after the deaths of a teenager and a mother and her how we are.” —Reuters despite a string of deaths and a law banning the ancient and animals coming in at night, or of being attacked by sons led to a parliamentary investigation. —AFP 10 Analysis Wednesday, December 11, 2019

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Refugee girls in Chad embrace school as path to university opens up

ouna Issahk is one of seven mothers at her secondary school in Chad. At age 20, she car- Mries her baby girl across the hot sand of their refugee camp and shushes her in crowded classrooms. Issahk grew up in the remote camp near the town of An Iraqi woman prepares traditional bread on the sidelines of ongoing anti-government protests at Tahrir Square in the capital Baghdad yesterday. — AFP photos Iriba, where about 25,000 Sudanese people have lived in limbo since fleeing the conflict in Sudan’s Darfur region in 2004. Her camp, Touloum, is one of 12 in eastern Chad. It is a harsh, desert landscape where most girls marry as teenagers and spend a lifetime Medic, driver, witness, baker: Faces of uprising growing food and fetching water. ears roll out from behind Ayat’s oversized glasses flock to him, lay coughing, bleeding or unconscious pro- But a rare scheme that helps refugees attend but her hands, facing the sky, are steady. Her friends tester on the back bench before Hussein speeds off to a Chadian universities is getting more people in school - are gone, killed protesting Iraq’s government, but field clinic or hospital. “The tuk-tuk driver takes wound- especially girls and young women who have started to T their “revolution” continues. “Peace be upon you and on ed people to the hospital all on his own. He brings food. envisage a different future. “Our husbands want us to your two rivers, Iraq,” sings Kazem Saher as young He brings everything to those on the frontline,” says stay home, but if you want to take good care of your demonstrators mourn their peers in the epicenter of the Hussein proudly. It comes with risks: Riot police have children you have to be educated,” said Issahk, who anti-regime movement in Baghdad’s Tahrir Square. damaged his tuk-tuk, and Hussein was recently stopped dreams of becoming a doctor, bouncing her six-month- They stand somber and motionless under the imposing and beaten. He makes $10-$15 per day for the life-saving old on her knee in a sparse concrete school building. “Liberty Monument”, as if mirroring the bronze figures on work but the real reward, he says, is feeling that he is The camp’s school system was transformed five the long marble slab above them retelling Iraq’s tumul- part of “a big family”. years ago, when Chad turned its refugee schools - tuous history. Ayat, a medic, is but one of the characters in mostly makeshift classes held in tents - into accredited this new chapter, along with social media activist Ali, the The witness public institutions, meaning they benefit from state beloved baker Khayriya and Hussein, who transports Ali, too, has his mission: Documenting the clashes on his resources. Chad hosts about 440,000 refugees and is wounded demonstrators on his three-wheeled rickshaw. smartphone and sending the reports to media outlets, the first country in West and Central Africa to have ful- rights groups and Iraqis abroad. He wears a helmet, a car- ly integrated them into its national education system - The medic go vest and a black-and-white checkered keffiyeh as a a step the United Nations’ refugee agency (UNHCR) By candlelight on a chilly Baghdad evening, Ayat honors scarf to protect his mouth and nose from tear gas, but also hopes other states will take. Refugee education is the hundreds who have died in protest-related violence to hide his face. Young activists like Ali have been repeat- among the issues on the agenda for this month’s inau- since demonstrations erupted on Oct 1. But by morning, edly threatened and fear having their photographs taken gural Global Refugee Forum, a two-day UN confer- she is hard at work, trying to make sure she won’t have to by suspicious men near Tahrir. ence to showcase best practices. “The goal now is to mourn anyone else. The 23-year-old medical student twists “Despite the threats, the repression, the intimidation include refugees in national education systems right her long black hair into a bun and heads to the streets near and the campaign of terror, we’re staying,” says the lanky from the start,” said Charlotte Berquin, an education Tahrir where security forces fire tear gas, smoke grenades 21-year-old with green eyes and wispy facial hair. He officer for the UNHCR in West and Central Africa. and sometimes live rounds at teenage protesters. wants to document everything: “every bullet fired by the Refugee camps were initially intended to be temporary There, she treats lanky young demonstrators choking state or militias, every tear gas canister, every flash bang.” settlements, a place of safety for people fleeing war on tear gas and others bleeding from bullet wounds. She Authorities “say they’re not firing live rounds,” Ali says, with the assumption that they would eventually return keeps a stethoscope around her neck, a medical mask on “but we see them and film them every day.” home, she said. But as conflicts in Africa become more her face and wears a motorcycle helmet. “At any moment, Tuk-tuks are seen as Iraqis gather in Tahrir Square protracted their role has changed. Attending separate they could fire on us,” says Ayat, donning a white lab The baker yesterday. schools no longer makes sense for refugees displaced coat stitched with her blood type, O-. “At any moment, To revolt, one must eat. That’s something Khayriya, who for 15 years, as the Sudanese are in Chad, and can hurt we could die.” travelled with her children from her hometown in southern their chances of success in the host country, Berquin Iraq, understands perfectly. Amid the chaos of Tahrir Their dreams told the Thomson Reuters Foundation. The driver square, Khayriya kneads dough, lovingly lays out balls of it The movement has already outlasted the expectations When a protester is too badly hurt for Ayat to treat, on a baking sheet and slides it into a portable oven she of the most ardent protesters - but it has yet to fulfil their More teachers Hussein and his tuk-tuk motor rickshaw come to the brought with her. The veiled woman in her fifties hands out aspirations. “I dream of nice schools and hospitals, of a Only one in four Chadian boys and half as many rescue. The 18-year-old has been driving the cherry red loaves to hungry protesters or lays down slices of bread relaxing life,” says Hussein, after a long day ferrying girls attend secondary school, according to UN data. three-wheeler as a taxi for two years, earning a small on plastic plates, topping them with a traditional Iraqi wounded in Tahrir. “A salary, something to start a family Poverty, lack of access and child marriage contribute income for his family living in a poor quarter of spiced vegetable stew. with.” He sits on the edge of Baghdad’s river Tigris, watch- to the low rates. Part of the problem in Iriba and the Baghdad. But since protests began two months ago, the From morning until night, she bakes, serves and shares a ing the red-hot sunset in a T-shirt with the English logo surrounding region is a lack of teachers, said govern- vehicles once looked down on as a working class neces- bite with protesters who are re-energised her aromatic “Never look back”. “So my future son could go to a ment school inspector Ali Tom. Few Chadians coming sity have become a symbol of the uprising - and their pastries. Her monthly pension of $150 can barely feed her peaceful school, so that we live in security, so we feel good out of teacher training want to be sent to the remote, drivers, heroes. family in oil-rich Iraq, where one in five people live below and don’t have war, or sectarian violence or any of that,” difficult district, he said. But the refugee camps have a With one unceasing honk of his horn, Hussein zips the poverty line. “We should have everything we need,” he says. With the sun dipping just below the opposite different problem: A surplus of eager, educated youth around sharp turns and clusters of protesters to come to a she says. “Iraq is not a small country. And we’re Iraqis, are bank, Hussein sighs. “I dream of having a country and of who want jobs. screeching halt at the frontlines. Protesters and medics we not? We have the right to our share.” living free.” — AFP With the new education strategy, refugees can attend Chadian teacher training schools, become certi- fied by the state and return to teach in the camps where they earn a small salary. “When we arrived in 2004, I was one of only seven teachers who started teaching in Algeria’s unwanted the camp,” said Fathya Ali Souleymane, who was a teacher in Sudan before she fled to Chad and is now director of the primary school in Touloum camp. presidential election “Now we have many teachers,” she said, proudly adding that some include students she taught in the camp over a decade ago. Chad trained 635 refugee lgerians are being asked to vote tomorrow in a teachers between 2014 and 2018, according to presidential election bitterly opposed by the UNHCR, mostly refugees from Sudan and Central Acountry’s nine-month-old protest movement, African Republic who arrived in Chad with no qualifi- which sees it as a regime ploy to cling to power. While no cations. The program has prioritized women, since opinion polls have been published, observers expect high female teachers tend to boost the number of girls in levels of abstention, in keeping with previous elections in school, said Berquin. a political system seen by voters as rigid and unaccount- In the three refugee camps in Iriba, women make up able. Historian and Maghreb specialist Karima Direche about 42 percent of primary and secondary school predicts that low turnout will make the election “a total teachers and more girls go to school than boys at all fiasco”. levels. Outside the camps, there are only three female Overseas polling booths for expat Algerians opened teachers in all 93 schools of the Wadi Fira department, Saturday, but have been almost empty - the few who do and boys outnumber girls, said state inspector Tom. “To cast their ballots often facing a barrage of insults from improve education, we must first involve women,” said protesters. Direche, of France’s National Centre for Tom, attributing the differences between local schools Scientific Research (CNRS), said that despite being tra- and refugee schools to the sensitization done by aid ditionally conservative and close to the regime, today the agencies in the camps. Since the schools in the refugee diaspora “is mobilized against the election”. camps are now public, some Chadian students attend. Ageing president Abdelaziz Bouteflika’s February In most West African countries refugees are allowed announcement that he would seek a fifth term in office to attend public schools, but in practice often miss out sparked an unprecedented mass protest movement that because they are not included in national plans which by April forced him to resign. Protesters continued with determine where schools, teachers and materials are their weekly rallies, demanding the total dismantling of needed, said the UNHCR. Five years on, the program in the military-dominated system that has ruled Algeria Chad has seen success, but is not without challenges. since independence in 1962. The military high command, Algerian protesters shout slogans during an anti-government demonstration in the capital Algiers yesterday. — AFP Making the refugee schools public meant switching which has long wielded power from behind the scenes, them from a Sudanese to a Chadian curriculum, which was forced to take a frontline role in government - but some parents were not happy with, said school director rejected the demands of protesters and civil society for last weekly Friday protest ahead of the vote, once again from an administration still controlled by Bouteflika loyal- Souleymane. The refugees cannot afford university sweeping reforms. calling on army chief Ahmed Gaid Salah to scrap the ists that the poll will be fair and transparent. That is without a scholarship and there are not enough for all It has paid little attention to demands to replace the poll. They also sought to disprove Gaid Salah’s asser- despite a minor change to the electoral law transferring the qualified students, said Dominique Niava, the constitution that served to legitimize Bouteflika’s grip on tions that there was “popular momentum” in support of oversight from the interior ministry to an “independent” UNHCR’s education specialist in Iriba. — AFP power. Instead, the army has pushed for an election to the election. The five candidates in the poll have run electoral authority. pick a replacement for Bouteflika, saying it is the only low-key campaigns. All are considered “children of the Whoever becomes Algeria’s next president is “already route to resolving the political crisis. A previous poll set system”, having either supported Bouteflika or partici- discredited”, according to Direche. “He will not be for July 4 was abandoned for lack of viable candidates pated in his government - two as ministers and two as recognised by the public and will have a real problem of and interim president Abdelkader Bensalah’s term techni- prime ministers. electoral legitimacy,” she said, adding that the protest cally ended five months ago. A caretaker government, Protesters accuse them of protecting the regime by movement would likely continue its “war of attrition” long All articles appearing on this page are the appointed by Bouteflika two days before he quit, remains standing for election. They have struggled to attract after the poll. The incoming head of state will be forced personal opinion of the writers. Kuwait in post, led by his longtime ally Noureddine Bedoui. audiences at their campaign events, held under heavy to deal with increasingly organized opposition forces Times takes no responsibility for views police protection, as well as being loudly heckled and that have emerged from the movement, she said. “The ‘War of attrition’ having their posters graffitied. After two years of rigged army wants to ensure continuity of power, as it existed expressed therein. On the street, Algerians staged vast rallies for their elections, few in Algeria are convinced by assurances under Bouteflika, but it is now impossible.” — AFP Established 1961

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2019

Unimoni Exchange launches Sterling shrugs off weak Hashes, hedges: Power-hungry 12online money transfer service 13 GDP data, cements gains 14 crypto miners court investors

RIYADH: A general view of the Saudi budget forum in Riyadh yesterday. Saudi Arabia passed its 2020 budget, projecting a widening deficit in the face of tumbling oil prices and production cuts that have hit the top crude produc- er’s revenues. — AFP Saudi projects higher budget deficit Kingdom cuts spending, passes 2020 budget

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia passed its 2020 King Salman said his government is deter- an additional output cut of 500,000 barrels budget on Monday, projecting a widening mined to continue to diversifying its sources per day, set to start next month, along with deficit in the face of tumbling oil prices and of income and shift the kingdom away from an already agreed reduction of 1.2 million production cuts that have hit the top crude reliance on oil. The finance ministry reported bpd. Saudi Energy Minister Prince producer’s revenues. The kingdom projected that the kingdom spent $279.5 billion and Abdulaziz bin Salman said the kingdom a shortfall of $50 billion for the year, up $15 had revenues of $244.5 billion in 2019, both would unilaterally trim another 400,000 billion its 2019 budget, according to an offi- lower than projections, leaving the shortfall at bpd to support sagging prices. Saudi cial statement read out on state TV. It pre- $35 billion. Saudi Arabia, which pumps just Arabia has also introduced reforms and dicted next year’s deficit would grow to 6.4 under 10 million barrels per day, has posted a subsidy cuts as part of its Vision 2030 eco- percent of GDP, up from 4.7 percent in 2019. budget shortfall since 2014, when oil prices nomic transformation plan to reduce the The statement released after a cabinet meet- crashed, accumulating $358 billion in deficits country’s dependence on oil. The kingdom ing chaired by King Salman said Riyadh up to the end of 2019, official figures show. has slashed power and fuel subsidies as would also cut spending for next year in a The finance ministry has projected that well as imposing fees on expatriate visas rare belt-tightening measure. spending will continue to contract until 2022 and implementing a five-percent value Spending was set at $272 billion, down 7.8 as a result of weak oil prices and production added tax. percent on 2019 estimates, while revenues cuts. In order to plug the growing budget The International Monetary Fund in were estimated at $222 billion, also lower by shortfall, Saudi Arabia withdrew from its October cut the forecast for Saudi GDP 14.6 percent. Income from oil was projected reserves, borrowed from domestic and inter- growth in 2019 to just 0.2 percent from 1.8 at $136.8 billion, down from $160.5 billion in national markets and last month, floated 1.5 percent a few months earlier. London-based 2019, the finance ministry said. Oil prices percent of state energy giant Aramco. That Capital Economics said last week the Saudi RIYADH: Participants attend the Saudi budget forum in Riyadh yesterday. — AFP have remained sluggish at around $64 a bar- generated some $25.6 billion in the world’s economy could shrink this year due to low rel, despite additional production cuts agreed biggest ever stock sale. oil prices and production cuts. Fitch Ratings by producers’ cartel OPEC and its allies last in September downgraded its Saudi rating installations. The agency said continued fis- has been embroiled in a devastating war in week. Oil income accounts for about two- Economic diversification by a notch over rising regional tensions fol- cal deficits also contributed to the down- neighbouring Yemen, amid heightening ten- thirds of Saudi public revenues. Last week, OPEC and its allies agreed to lowing unprecedented attacks on Saudi oil grade. Over the past five years, Saudi Arabia sions with regional arch-rival Iran. — AFP

Representative during Trump’s first two the WTO’s rules must change to take US trade years, said many disputes would be settled account of state-controlled enterprises. In in future by negotiations. 2017, Japan brought together the United Critics say this means a return to a post- States and the European Union in a joint offensive takes war period of inconsistent settlements, bid to set new global rules on state subsi- problems the WTO’s creation in 1995 was dies and forced technology transfers. The out WTO as designed to fix. The EU ambassador to the US is also pushing to limit the ability of WTO told counterparts in Geneva on WTO members to grant themselves devel- Monday the Appellate Body’s paralysis oping status, which for example gives them global arbiter risked creating a system of economic rela- longer to implement WTO agreements. tions based on power rather than rules. The Such “developing countries” include crippling of dispute settlement comes as Singapore and Israel, but China is the clear BRUSSELS: US disruption of the global the WTO also struggles in its other major focus. US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross economic order reaches a major milestone role of opening markets. The WTO club of told Reuters last week the United States yesterday as the World Trade Organization 164 has not produced any international wanted to end concessions given to then (WTO) loses its ability to intervene in trade accord since abandoning “Doha Round” struggling economies that were no longer wars, threatening the future of the Geneva- negotiations in 2015. appropriate. “We’ve been spoiling countries based body. Two years after starting to for a very, very long time, so naturally block appointments, the United States will America first they’re pushing back as we try to change finally paralyse the WTO’s Appellate Body, Trade-restrictive measures among the things,” he said. The trouble with WTO which acts as the supreme court for inter- G20 group of largest economies are at his- reform is that changes require consensus to national trade, as two of three members exit toric highs, compounded by Trump’s pass. That includes Chinese backing. GENEVA: Delegates are seen prior to a general council meeting of the World Trade and leave it unable to issue rulings. “America First” agenda and the trade war Beijing has published its own reform Organization (WTO) yesterday at the trade intergovernmental organization headquar- Major trade disputes, including the US with China. Phil Hogan, the European proposals with a string of grievances ters in Geneva. — AFP conflict with China and metal tariffs Union’s new trade commissioner, said on against US actions. Reform should resolve imposed by US President Donald Trump, Friday the WTO was no longer fit for pur- crucial issues threatening the WTO’s exis- will not be resolved by the global trade pose and in dire need of reforms going tence, while preserving the interests of mid-2020 when its trade ministers gather in WTO that will save the fish. It’s the fish that arbiter. Stephen Vaughn, who served as beyond just fixing the appeals mechanism. developing countries. Many observers a drive to push though a multinational deal are going to save the WTO,” said one general counsel to the US Trade For developed countries, in particular, believe the WTO faces a pivotal moment in - on cutting fishing subsidies. “It’s not the ambassador. — Reuters 12 Established 1961 Business Wednesday, December 11, 2019 Global stock markets dip as tariff deadline approaches Markets wary of Dec 15 tariff deadline

LONDON: Global stock markets fell for a second day 0.29%, moving in a three-basis- point-range. Italian broadest index of Asia-Pacific shares outside Japan quarter and the beginning of the fourth quarter was yesterday, as caution over a Dec 15 deadline for the 10-year bond yields, which fell on Monday, were flat was 0.25% lower. China’s benchmark Shanghai these two risks were receding ... And now this week next round of US tariffs on Chinese imports weak- on the day at 1.39%. Composite index was higher by 0.1%. New data in you see those two concerns coming back on the mar- ened risk appetite and limited outsized market moves. In the euro zone, Christine Lagarde holds her first China showed producer prices fell in November but ket,” he said, adding that he expected their effect Following their counterparts in Asia, European shares meeting and news conference as ECB chief tomorrow. consumer prices spiked, complicating efforts to boost would be short-term. Sterling, which reached its high- fell for a second day, with the pan-European STOXX “Expectations for policy action from the ECB and Fed demand as economic growth slows. Australian shares est against the dollar since April on Monday at 600 index down 1.09% at 1206 GMT. Germany’s are subdued,” said Commerzbank rates strategist were down 0.34%. Japan’s Nikkei fell 0.08%. Tepid $1.3180, added 0.3%, last changing hands at $1.3169. DAX fell 1.44% to its lowest in a week. Rainer Guntermann. “Lagarde’s communication style trade followed weakness on Wall Street overnight. Expectations of a Conservative Party victory in The MSCI All-Country World Index, which tracks will be watched closely, but that’s unlikely to lead to The Dow Jones Industrial Average fell 0.38% to tomorrow’s UK election have powered a rally in the shares across 47 countries, was down 0.2%. US any repricing in bond markets.” Germany’s ZEW 27,909.6, the S&P 500 lost 0.32% to 3,135.96 and pound, but options markets indicate worries of a stocks futures were down about 0.3%. Market uncer- research institute said its monthly index on economic the Nasdaq Composite dropped 0.4% to 8,621.83. post-election retreat. tainty before the tariff deadline was reinforced by morale among investors rose to 10.7 from -2.1 a month Investors were also keeping an eye on the US The dollar index, which tracks the US currency comments from US Agriculture Secretary Sonny earlier, much higher than forecast by economists. Federal Reserve. The Fed is expected to leave rates against a basket of six other major currencies, was Perdue on Monday, who said President Donald Trump The reading pushed up a market gauge of euro unchanged at its two-day policy meeting, which ends down 0.14% at 97.506. Worries over trade continued did not want to implement tariffs but did want to see zone inflation expectations to its highest in a month Wednesday. Analysts say investors will be watching to push oil prices lower. Data released on Sunday “movement” from China. and boosted the euro, which last traded 0.15% higher policymakers’ forecasts for future US economic showed that Chinese exports declined for a fourth The deadline looms over a series of events this at $1.1082. Yesterday, the US two-year yield, a sign of growth. Investors have focused this year on the risks straight month, underscoring the impact of the trade week, with markets also awaiting the UK election market expectations of Fed fund rates, was at 1.619%, of the UK crashing out of the European Union with- war between the US and China, which is in its 17th tomorrow and US and European Central Bank meet- down from its close of 1.627% on Monday. The 10- out a deal and a sharp escalation in trade war ten- month. Global benchmark Brent crude fell 0.54% to ings. Euro zone government bond yields were mostly year Treasury yield was at 1.8138% from a US close sions, said Frank Benzimra, head of equity strategy at $63.90 a barrel and US West Texas Intermediate steady, refusing to budge from recent ranges. of 1.8225% on Monday. Societe Generale. crude dipped 0.54% to $58.7 a barrel. Gold rose Germany’s benchmark Bund yield inched up to - With investors reluctant to make big bets, MSCI’s “What you have seen since the end of the third 0.4% to $1,467.31 per ounce. —Reuters

Unimoni Kuwait branches before using Unimoni the online money transfer service. Commenting on the launch, Pradeep Kumar, Group Chief Executive Officer of KFH announces launches Unimoni, said, “Technology continues to seep into human lives to the extent that it online money adds convenience and provides greater winners of ‘Win control to individuals. As a group, we are focused on empowering people all over with Hesabi’ transfer service the world to fulfill their aspirations by providing them with cutting-edge finan- KUWAIT: Kuwait Finance House (KFH) KUWAIT: Unimoni Exchange WLL cial products and services, delivered announced the winners of the 5th draw of ‘Win (Unimoni Kuwait), a renowned financial through omni-channel touchpoints. The solutions provider and a Finablr compa- launch of our online service in Kuwait is with Hesabi’ campaign that offers 3 Jeep ny, yesterday announced the launch of its Wrangler Sport cars and 120 cash prizes a significant milestone, one that enables online money transfer service as part of us to elevate our customers’ money worth KD250 each. The draw was held at KFH its digital offering in Kuwait. With the transfer experience to new heights Headquarters under the supervision of the introduction of the new online service, through technology.” Ministry of Commerce and Industry. The win- customers can now send money using the Vivek Nair, Country Head of Unimoni ners are: Maram Alazemi, Hajar Mohammad, Unimoni Kuwait mobile app or website at Kuwait, said, “Technology-enabled serv- Soud Alazemi, Norah Alajmi, Rakan Alajmi, competitive exchange rates, seamlessly ices are making strong inroads into and securely from anywhere, anytime. Kuwait, engaging more people through Munirah Alkudri, Abdulwahhab Alawadhi, Unimoni Kuwait’s mobile app, avail- Mohammad Almutairi, Nadrah Jasem and intuitive user experiences. Our new able on iOS and Android, comes with a online money transfer service seeks to Fatemah Ali. user-friendly interface that includes fea- meet the evolving needs of customers, This campaign comes as part of KFH con- tures such as real-time transaction who prefer to have access to financial tinuing efforts to add value to Hesabi cus- tracking, rate alert through email and services anytime and from anywhere, as tomers including advantages, discounts, prizes SMS, voice command and secure login part of an enhanced user experience. and exclusive rewards. Once the social options using One Time Passwords We are grateful to the Central Bank of (DTP), fingerprint or face recognition. Kuwait and our well-wishers for their allowance is transferred to Hesabi program, Registered customers of Unimoni Kuwait customers enter the monthly draw on 10 prizes continued support in our endeavour to can directly log in to the mobile app bring a wide portfolio of products to the of KD250 each, in addition to 3 special draws (Unimoni Kuwait) or website (kw.uni- market.” Unimoni Kuwait operates on Jeep Wrangler Sport cars. moni.com) and send money straight through 12 retail outlets in the country KFH offers “Hesabi for Youth” with a variety away. New customers have to complete and offers a range of money transfer and of privileges as part of its continued endeavor a simple one-time registration process, foreign Currency exchange solutions for to provide adequate customer care, innovate at any of the conveniently-located retail and corporate customers. new products and services and fulfill the needs of all customers of various age categories and prompting the authorities to declare a state of emer- Oil-dependent interests. Services and products are tailored to Algeria: Oil-dependent gency. The army clamped down on demonstrators Socialist until the early 1990s, Algeria’s economy but introduced political reforms which brought an remains subject to a high level of state intervention. suit customers’ needs and provide distin- country hit by protests end to the single-party system. However, when the The oil wealth subsidises fuel, water, health care, guished service as per global standards country held its first multi-party legislative poll in housing and basic goods. Algeria is Africa’s third regarding quality, accuracy and speed. PARIS: The North African country of Algeria, where a 1991, the army stepped in to prevent the Islamic biggest crude producer and among the 10 biggest Hesabi” program has been designed to meet contentious presidential election is set for tomorrow, Salvation Front (FIS) winning and setting up an producers of natural gas. Those exports make up the needs of youth and aspire for their active has been the scene since February of massive demon- Islamic state. That sparked a civil war which killed more than 95 percent of external revenue and con- life style. This program presents for youth strations against a regime seen as corrupt. Here are some 200,000 people between 1992 and 2002, with tribute 60 percent of the state budget. It currently many exclusive offers and a wide range of some key facts about the oil-dependent nation of 42 the Armed Islamic Group (GIA) claiming responsibil- produces around one million barrels of oil a day, ity for many civilian massacres. according to official figures. In late 2018, analysts at privileges including Hesabi ATM card with a million people. the International Crisis Group estimated that urgent unique design, eligibility to issue Hesabi pre- Bouteflika years reforms were needed to diversify the economy. In Former French colony paid card (as per credit regulations of KFH), At the height of the war, FNL stalwart Abdelaziz November 2019, Algeria’s parliament adopted a con- A French colony since 1830, Algeria became inde- distinguished offers and discounts etc. Bouteflika won the 1999 presidential election. He was troversial law aimed at boosting investment in the oil pendent in 1962 after a bloody war which lasted nearly KFH continues to launch marketing cam- backed by the army and launched a reconciliation and gas sector. eight years. In 1963, Ahmed Ben Bella, secretary gener- programme that saw thousands of Islamist fighters paigns to reward youth customers. Hesabi for al of the National Liberation Front (FLN) which had led Youth represents the ambitions and expecta- lay down their arms. Bouteflika went on to win re- Africa’s biggest country the struggle against French rule, became the first presi- election in 2004 and 2009. He suffered a stroke in Algeria is Africa’s biggest country and desert tions of youth category and copes with KFH dent. Two years later the FLN’s Houari Boumediene 2013 which confined him to a wheelchair, but despite makes up more than five-sixths of its territory. More aspirations to attract the largest portion of overthrew and jailed Ben Bella, continuing to run his poor health was elected for a fourth term. His bid than 80 percent of the population lives on the coast, youth who represents the major part of Algeria as a one-party state until his death in 1978. for a fifth term in the April 2019 elections sparked including in the capital Algiers. Nearly 54 percent is Kuwaiti society. Also, the account represents Colonel Chadli Bendjedid was then elected president, a massive street protests and saw him lose the support younger than 30. It counts some 10 million ethnic KFH initiative to diversify banking services post he held until 1992. of key loyalists, including armed forces chief Ahmed Berbers, most living in Kabylie, a mountainous region and products. Gaid Salah. He finally submitted his resignation on to the east of Algiers. Although widely spoken, Civil war April 2 but protesters continue to demand an over- French is not one of Algeria’s official languages- In 1988, protests rocked the capital Algiers, haul of the entire political establishment. which are Arabic and the Berbers’ Tamazight. —AFP EXCHANGE RATES

Egyptian Pound - Transfer 18.892 Chinese Yuan Renminbi 43.610 Chinese Yuan 0.041864 0.045364 Al-Muzaini Exchange Co. Yemen Riyal/for 1000 1.222 Thai Bhat 11.010 Hong Kong Dollar 0.036783 0.039533 Tunisian Dinar 110.640 Turkish Lira 52.740 Indian Rupee 0.003604 0.004376 EUROPEAN & AMERICAN COUNTRIES Jordanian Dinar 429.580 Singapore dollars 223.154 Indonesian Rupiah 0.000017 0.000023 US Dollar Transfer 304.250 Lebanese Lira/for 1000 0.203 Japanese Yen 0.002714 0.002894 Euro 338.480 Syrian Lira 0.000 Korean Won 0.000244 0.000259 Sterling Pound 401.910 Morocco Dirham 32.162 BAHRAIN EXCHANGE COMPANY WLL Malaysian Ringgit 0.069321 0.075321 Canadian dollar 231.110 Nepalese Rupee 0.002623 0.002963 Turkish lira 53.850 Pakistan Rupee 0.001286 0.002056 CURRENCY BUY SELL Philippine Peso 0.005992 0.006292 Swiss Franc 309.670 Dollarco Exchange Co. Ltd Europe US Dollar Buying 296.800 British Pound 0.392729 0.406629 Singapore Dollar 0.218215 0.228215 Czech Korune 0.005163 0.014463 Sri Lankan Rupee 0.001318 0.001898 ASIAN COUNTRIES Rate for Transfer Selling Rate Taiwan 0.009857 0.010037 US Dollar 303.890 Danish Krone 0.040952 0.045952 Japanese Yen 2.801 Euro 0.328969 0.342669 Thai Baht 0.009693 0.010243 Indian Rupees 4.288 Canadian Dollar 230.380 Vietnamese Dong 0.000013 0.000013 Sterling Pound 401.130 Georgian Lari 0.103266 0.103266 Pakistani Rupees 1.978 Hungarian 0.000923 0.001113 Srilankan Rupees 1.672 Euro 337.890 Arab Swiss Frank 302.835 Norwegian Krone 0.029200 0.034400 Nepali Rupees 2.677 Romanian Leu 0.053437 0.0702287 Bahraini Dinar 0.800882 0.808932 Bahrain Dinar 808.155 Singapore Dollar 224.620 Russian ruble 0.004773 0.004773 Egyptian Pound 0.018930 0.021670 UAE Dirhams 83.140 Hongkong Dollar 38.862 Slovakia 0.009092 0.019092 Iranian Riyal 0.000084 0.000086 Qatari Riyals 84.380 Bangladesh Taka 3.545 Swedish Krona 0.027871 0.032871 Iraqi Dinar 0.000211 0.000271 Saudi Riyals 81.935 Philippine Peso 6.006 Swiss Franc 0.301221 0.312221 Jordanian Dinar 0.423139 0.432139 Jordanian Dinar 429.905 Thai Baht 10.086 Kuwaiti Dinar 1.000000 1.000000 Malaysian ringgit 77.813 Egyptian Pound 18.870 Australasia Sri Lankan Rupees 1.677 Lebanese Pound 0.000101 0.000251 Australian Dollar 0.199203 0.211203 Moroccan Dirhams 0.021175 0.045175 GCC COUNTRIES Indian Rupees 4.289 New Zealand Dollar 0.193098 0.202598 Pakistani Rupees 1.691 Omani Riyal 0.785133 0.793024 Saudi Riyal 81.187 Qatar Riyal 0.082914 0.083748 Bangladesh Taka 3.537 America Qatari Riyal 83.620 Saudi Riyal 0.080047 0.081347 Omani Riyal 790.773 Philippines Pesso 5.990 Canadian Dollar 0.224432 0.233432 Cyprus pound 18.080 US Dollars 0.300150 0.305450 Syrian Pound 0.001290 0.001510 Bahraini Dinar 808.420 Tunisian Dinar 0.102737 0.110737 UAE Dirham 82.891 Japanese Yen 3.795 US Dollars Mint 0.300650 0.305450 Syrian Pound 1.590 Turkish Lira 0.045608 0.055453 Asia UAE Dirhams 0.082203 0.083029 ARAB COUNTRIES Nepalese Rupees 2.669 Bangladesh Taka 0.002990 0.003791 Yemeni Riyal 0.000989 0.001069 Egyptian Pound - Cash 21.900 Malaysian Ringgit 73.955 13 Business Wednesday, December 11, 2019 South Africa power crisis shuts down mines across the country Power crisis at state firm Eskom damaging economy

JOHANNESBURG: Power blackouts in South Africa ‘Manageable crisis’ caused by flash flooding have shut down mining opera- Harmony Gold called off its underground shifts, saying tions across the country, several mining companies said it would resume as soon as Eskom could provide assur- yesterday. Harmony Gold, Impala Platinum, and Sibanye- ance power supply would be more reliable. Impala Stillwater all said they had been forced to cut production Platinum had shut production at its Rustenberg and since Monday owing to power shortages. “There are very Marula mines owing to power cuts that left it functioning few underground mines that operated overnight and will at 20%-30% of normal power. A spokesman for the plat- be operating normally today,” said a spokesman for the inum miner said: “We certainly can’t risk any attempt at Minerals Council, an industry body. production with this level of power.” Eskom said yesterday it planned more load-shedding - Sibanye-Stillwater shut all its deep-level mines on a South African term for planned power cuts - due to Monday, but aimed to send miners back underground for flooding that has interrupted coal-fired power generation, the afternoon shift yesterday. “The outlook for this week is but added the crisis was manageable. Heavy rains across to maintain load shedding because of the weather, because parts of South Africa have submerged whole neighbour- of the coal handling challenges that we’ve got. Also we hoods, leading to mass evacuations. The losses to mining have a number of units on unplanned breakdown that need output-a mainstay of South Africa’s exports-highlights the to return,” Eskom’s chief operations officer Jan Oberholzer economic impact of the crisis at ailing state utility Eskom, told eNCA news channel. “We believe it is a manageable which has been struggling to keep the lights on for more crisis,” Oberholzer said. “Four thousand megawatts of the than a decade. problem we had yesterday was due to flooding.” President Cyril Ramaphosa has made turning Eskom Problems at Eskom have been magnified by delays and and other failing state firms around a cornerstone policy, cost overruns at two giant coal-fired plants, Medupi and but he faces opposition from unions and interests within Kusile, which were touted as a solution to power woes his ruling African National Congress. “The ongoing load when construction began a decade ago. South Africa’s shedding is devastating for the country ... causing our GDP shrank by 0.6% in the third quarter, the second con- economy great harm and disrupting the lives of citizens,” traction this year, partly in response to uncertainty over he said in a statement yesterday. “The energy challenges in power supply. Its credit rating is teetering on the brink of this country will not be resolved overnight.” On Monday junk because of its economic problems and the high cost the country suffered power cuts of up to 6,000 megawatts of government bailouts of failing state firms. All credit rat- (MW) after heavy rain and flooding triggered failures at ing agencies but Moody’s have cut the country’s rating to EKURHULENI: A SAA (South African Airways) aeroplane is seen at the O R Tambo International Airport in its 4,800 MW Medupi coal fired plant. below investment grade. — Reuters Johannesburg. — AFP

BUSINESS ANALYSIS

restructuring and long-term sustainable growth has led to low-cost manufacturing and commodities. Since the turn The new emerging an acceleration in the implementation of structural reforms of the century, we have witnessed a significant increase in US manufacturers and widespread industry consolidation, as well as the the trade value of high-tech goods being exported by development of local supply chains in the technology emerging market countries. We have also seen how com- see higher 2020 sales market landscape space to replace US sources. China will be a frontrunner in panies are using innovation and technology to leapfrog the 5G arena and is expected to have some 600 million 5G and disrupt traditional business models. Areas such as e- despite trade cloud By Manraj S Sekhon, CFA subscribers by 2025, or about 40% of the forecasted 1.6 commerce, digital banking and mobile computing will be billion subscribers globally. fundamental drivers of emerging markets for years to NEW YORK: US manufacturers expect a bounce in merging markets are at a rare inflection point with Together with artificial intelligence (AI) and robotics, come. Equally, fields such as AI, autonomous driving, revenues in 2020 despite lingering unease over trade multiple crosscurrents. A combination of the ultra- this will help drive growth in China’s new economy as it robotics and the “Internet of Things” continue to attract tariffs that are prompting supply chain shifts, accord- loose monetary policy hangover from the global strives to become less reliant on the United States. In our investment, signaling strong longer-term prospects. E view, China will emerge stronger and more self-reliant ing to an industry survey released Monday. The semi- financial crisis, a low global growth environment from weak manufacturing and industrial activity, the continued with multiple pillars of economic support through this cri- Staying the course annual survey painted a mixed picture for US manu- rise of the consumer, and the disruption and opportunities sis. Taiwan is seeing some spillover benefits from the trade Much noise and conflicting signals dominated 2019, facturers overall, with companies forecasting flat of the new economy have provided a heady mix. war as its companies start onshoring some operations. which led many investors to limit their risk appetite and dis- employment and lower capital spending but higher Government incentives to attract operations back to count the long-term growth drivers in emerging markets. overall sales. That could spell at least some relief for a Addressing uncertainties Taiwan mean that this will have ripple effects on the While some of these uncertainties may persist in the near sector hit hard by President Donald Trump’s trade While market sentiment in 2019 was weighed down by domestic economy. term, we believe it is essential to stay the course. The mar- war with China, and that country’s slowing economy. easing growth concerns, emerging market growth is fore- As one of the largest and fastest growing markets for kets are just beginning to realize opportunities from technol- The projected 4.8 percent bump in manufacturing cast by the International Monetary Fund to accelerate in digital consumers, India is a market where disruptive tech- ogy disruption and the transition of businesses away from revenues was “one of the more surprising” figures in 2020 and remain more than double that of developed mar- nology is driving productivity and deflation more than traditional models. We believe the investment scope in the the semi-annual survey, said Timothy Fiore of the kets. Improving fiscal, economic and monetary policies and generally expected, with value accruing to end-users. Key emerging world is wide and promising for investors who can Institute for Supply Management, which released the a renewed focus on structural reforms in many emerging reforms-including the recent reduction in corporate tax overlook near-term volatility and invest for the longer term. report. Fiore noted that manufacturers had overesti- markets has been gaining traction. Supported by more rates, measures to improve the regulatory environment mated sales in the last survey in May, projecting that conducive monetary policies in developed economies and and monetary easing-will likely steady the economy. In What are the risks? 2019 revenues would rise 4.0 percent. At this point easing inflationary pressures, central banks in emerging Brazil, optimism surrounding the government’s economic All investments involve risks, including possible loss of the increase is expected to come in at 1.9 percent, the markets generally turned more dovish in 2019. We expect agenda has resulted in a more favorable investment cli- principal. Stock prices fluctuate, sometimes rapidly and report said. this trend to continue in 2020, as policymakers have mate. While the country’s economic recovery has been dramatically, due to factors affecting individual companies, The upbeat revenue forecast could reflect manu- greater flexibility in stimulating economic activity. slower than expected, we believe government and central particular industries or sectors, or general market condi- facturers’ belief that they are now “at the maximum Although US-China trade tensions have deescalated in bank efforts are improving the country’s longer-term tions. Special risks are associated with foreign investing, impact” as far as items that could be affected by the short term on rising expectations of a partial trade deal growth potential. Inflation has remained under control, including currency fluctuations, economic instability and trade conflicts after Trump administration tariffs on and plans for both countries to scale back tariffs, we expect allowing the central bank to ease rates to record lows to political developments. Investments in developing mar- steel and aluminum and a series of measures on the broader economic conflict to remain for some time. The stimulate the economy. Social security reform is key to kets, of which frontier markets are a subset, involve height- Chinese goods. But Fiore also noted that Trump last impact from the trade conflict has not been limited to China. stimulating investment and credit, which will help improve ened risks related to the same factors, in addition to those week reinstated tariffs on metals from Brazil and While US imports from China over the last year declined economic activity and can significantly reduce Brazil’s fis- associated with these markets’ smaller size, lesser liquidity Argentina and announced new tariffs on French $35 billion to $497 billion, China’s imports from the United cal deficit. A major privatization plan has also been and lack of established legal, political, business and social goods. “Trade continues to weigh on the supply com- States decreased by more-$40 billion to $125 billion. announced, and tax and other structural reforms should frameworks to support securities markets. Because these munity,” Fiore said. Therefore, we believe a comprehensive agreement remains improve the ease of doing business. frameworks are typically even less developed in frontier Manufacturing has emerged as a vulnerable part in the best interests of both sides. The Trump administration markets, as well as various factors including the increased of the US economy amid myriad trade tariffs and will be acutely aware of this heading into an election year. New emerging market landscape potential for extreme price volatility, illiquidity, trade bar- threats from Trump, with up-and-down talks with The emerging market landscape continues to transform riers and exchange controls, the risks associated with China especially worrisome to the business commu- Opportunities in 2020 as policymakers focus on building resilience during times developing markets are magnified in frontier markets. nity. Weak US manufacturing figures have also China’s initiatives to strengthen and diversify its econo- of stress. Emerging market economies are more diversified reflected company-specific issues such as the Boeing my have been largely overshadowed by trade and slowing now-with domestic consumption and technology offering Sekhon is Chief Investment Officer for Franklin 737 MAX crisis that has forced the aviation giant to growth fears. The government’s focus on economic new drivers of growth-and are growing less reliant on Templeton Emerging Markets Equity cut production on the plane and the General Motors strike, which ended in late October. The survey showed more than half of the respon- dents in manufacturing have either changed their production footprint or are evaluating new sources of Ted Baker CEO quits supply because of US tariffs. The figures were slight- ly lower among non-manufacturing companies sur- veyed, with 43.9 percent evaluating new sources of as shares pummels supply and 1.3 percent having already shifted supply. The report overall suggested the services sector LONDON: Ted Baker’s chief executive and chair- would continue to outperform manufacturing, with man quit yesterday as the British fashion retailer companies projecting modest increases in both capi- warned its full-year profit will fall more than tal spending and employment. — AFP expected and suspended its dividend due to weak Black Friday sales, sending its shares to a 16-year low. Pressure has mounted on Ted Baker’s manage- ment team since it disclosed a week ago that it may have overstated inventory by as much as 25 million pounds ($32 million). Lindsay Page is leaving after just eight months in charge of Ted Baker, which has been struggling with weak consumer demand and misconduct allegations against its founder and former CEO Ray Kelvin, which he has denied. “The last 12 months has undoubtedly WREXHAM: Pedestrians walk past an empty shop unit for ‘Sale/To Let’ in the town centre in Wrexham. — AFP been the most challenging in our history,” Ted Baker said in a statement as its shares fell as much as 30% to 16-year lows. ative view on the recent levels of activity with the main In contrast to some other British retailers, Ted Sterling shrugs off takeaway being a flat GDP reading for the month of Baker said its performance during November and the October, said David Cheetham, chief market analyst at Black Friday sale period was below expectations, online broker XTB. leading it to cut its pre-tax profit forecast to a mini- weak GDP data, Industrial output fell by 0.7% in the three months to mum of 5 million pounds. Ted Baker reported a pretax October and services grew by 0.2%, its weakest increase profit of 50.9 million pounds last year, its first annual cements gains since June, the data also showed. “Sterling price action is all profit drop in ten years. Ted Baker said its recently about the upcoming parliamentary election and real eco- appointed Chief Financial Officer Rachel Osborne will nomic data should continue to play second fiddle,” ING take over as interim CEO, while Sharon Baylay will LONDON: Sterling edged higher yesterday, cementing analysts said in a note sent to clients. In early London trade, become acting chair after the departure of chairman recent gains as traders shrugged off weak economic the pound was up 0.2% at $1.3157 , close to Monday’s high David Bernstein. growth data and kept an eye on the final days of cam- of $1.3180. Against the euro the pound rose 0.1% to 84.18 Page, who has been with Ted Baker for more than paigning before Britain’s general election tomorrow. The pence , not far from the two-and-a-half-year high of 83.94 20 years, recently described business conditions as pound on Monday reached a seven-month high against the pence touched on Monday. Polls predict a Conservative the worst in decades amid lacklustre sales. His dollar and a two-and-a-half-year high versus the euro as Party majority, which many investors believe would lift some appointment as CEO in April was seen as a turning investors ramped up their bets the governing Conservative of the political uncertainty that has hampered the British point for Ted Baker, which was trying to move on from MIAMI: A ‘Now Hiring!’ sign is seen in front of a Party would win a majority in tomorrow’s election. currency. Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s Conservative Party the bad publicity prompted by Kelvin’s habit of hug- Speedway gas station in Miami, Florida. Hiring in the US Sterling held most of those gains even though data has vowed to take Britain out of the European Union on Jan ging colleagues. Ted Baker was also in the process of private sector slowed sharply in November as small showed Britain’s economy grew at its slowest annual pace 31. Cheetham at XTB noted that the biggest driver for the shaking up its board as part of a wider push to foster businesses, manufacturers, retailers and construction in nearly seven years in October, just 0.7%. “The latest pound yesterday could come at 2200 GMT when a new a change in corporate culture. — Reuters firms shed workers. — AFP batch of economic data from the UK provides a fairly neg- YouGov poll is released. — Reuters 14 Established 1961 Business Wednesday, December 11, 2019 Hashes, hedges: Power-hungry crypto miners court investors Miners look to hedge swings in computer power

LONDON: The old image of bitcoin miners is of young miners and industry players told Reuters, are deriva- Another firm, crypto trader GSR, said it has been valuing the firm at around $2 billion. techies in their bedrooms, hunched over laptops that tives that allow miners to hedge the hashrate. In theory, working on similar products but, given the early stage While this is an indication of capital market appetite, solve maths puzzles to earn new coins. Now they’re that would give clearer projections of cashflow - a pre- of the market, was not yet ready to offer them. “We’re Canaan is one of only a handful of giant, global crypto more likely to be savvy startups with ultra-high-speed requisite for would-be investors. building products around hashrate and difficulty,” said miners. Many others are smaller outfits that would likely chips and massive, power-guzzling machines. And, in a The miners and crypto traders, spread from the co-founder Richard Rosenblum. “It’s going to take have to work harder to convince investors they can new development, they’re beginning to look to financial United States and Canada to Britain and Hong Kong, more than a few months for there to be significant liq- manage their risks. Still, said Marco Krohn, co-founder derivatives to hedge against the wild swings in their said a market for such products, though in a very early uidity,” he said, cautioning that a market could take a of Hong Kong-based Genesis Mining, which produces electricity needs that can turn profits to dust. form, was emerging and few years to develop. And for bitcoin from Iceland to Kazakhstan, hundreds of mil- The growth of a market for such tools could acceler- would grow in importance. sure, the market is at a very lions of investment dollars could be up for grabs. ate investment in cryptocurrency mining, originally the “The trend in hashrate is early stage. Firm figures are “You need to leverage the traditional financial mar- preserve of lone enthusiasts but now a capital-intensive upwards. Unless miners hard to come by, but some kets - and these people ask questions. They tend to be industry that is expected to see growing demand for increase production, they will Startups crypto players say it likely risk averse.” To attract such investors, mining firms told digital coins. Crypto miners must draw on increasingly get fewer bitcoin with the developing totals around $50-$100 mil- Reuters they are looking more closely at controlling large amounts of computing power as they compete same power,” said Michel lion dollars a year. their risks - both on hashrates and prices - via financial against others to solve the complex mathematical Rauchs, author of a derivative tools. “The adoption of derivatives in the mining com- equations to build the blockchain and earn rewards in Cambridge university study Winning over investors munity has definitely increased in recent months,” said the form of new digital coins. on cryptocurrency miners. products For traditional investors, Kevin Shao, a manager at Canaan’s blockchain unit, Startups have largely been defenceless against “With hashrate derivatives, hunting high-yielding returns speaking through an interpreter. changes in so-called “hashrate” - in short, a fluctuating they can price in risk.” in an era of ultra-low interest It may be early days for crypto mining hedging tools, measure of the processing power of the entire bitcoin London-based DAG Global, rates, crypto miners could but changes are definitely afoot, said US firm BitOoda, network that dictates how much power miners need to which pitches itself as a cryptocurrency merchant bank, offer a tempting proposition. With bitcoin trading at which has since April brokered a product known as a produce new coins. A spike in hashrate means more said miners were showing strong interest in the firm’s around $7,500, the 1,800 bitcoin that can be produced “difficulty swap”. Sam Doctor, the company’s chief electricity is required, ramping up production costs and products for hedging hashrates. “As the hashrate changes, on any given day equates to an annual market of strategist, said the market for such products was grow- eating into eventual profits of coins sold. you can go from being profitable to losing money very around $5 billion a year. And many investors want a ing more liquid, with the length of contracts also on the This wildcard could become a major obstacle for quickly,” said Robert Andersen, who leads DAG’s digital slice. In an major example of a crypto mining company rise. “There are more players on the sidelines watching startups to attract much-needed investment from insti- asset sales. “The contract insures you against that. It’s like going public, last month Chinese giant Canaan launched how these trades perform before they take the step of tutions and markets. The answer, seven cryptocurrency insurance, and for that you pay a premium.” a $90 million initial public offering on the Nasdaq, trading themselves.” —Reuters

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In the media, each new generation of HUAWEI Kuwait launched fast-moving smartphone market, howev- nova phones has packed innovative Apple Carrier Billing er, this cycle of rebirth and reinvention hardware. The nova 2s incorporated have become more than just fun and tial in daily life, but still desire new and on December 5, occurs within a much quicker time dual front cameras, the nova 3 unveiled functional devices, but as the extension novel ways to interact with their devices. 2019. Customers will frame. Over the past two years, the 24 MP AI poster-quality selfies, and the of the user’s personality. 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Painstakingly developed, Huawei’s bold aesthetics meet such Turbo graphics processing technology, directly from their Mijbil Al Ayoub and riveting features through a stylish, advanced facial mapping models have demands for out-of-the-box designs Huawei nova smartphones serve as pre- mobile phone youthful filter. enabled the rapid progression from sim- that stand out from the ordinary. mium gaming devices. Their proprietary account. The service will be available to all ple nude makeup effects, to 3D beautifi- From the candy-reminiscent color Histen sound effects provide for lifelike Ooredoo Kuwait’s customers for both post- HUAWEI nova 3 cation, to AI micro-adjustments. The lat- schemes on the nova 2s, to the nova 3’s and immersive gameplay, making a nova ter furnishes finely-tuned, professional- paid and prepaid plans. The launch of the Indeed, the series’ dazzling designs purple and blue tones, and the intricate phone user the life of any party. And that have made it a sensation among young level effects that accentuate the natural service sees Ooredoo take towards a dynamic double-layer of reflective film on the in essence, is what HUAWEI nova is all consumers, with skyrocketing global beauty of any subject, integrating the nova 4, HUAWEI nova has always been about: making every user the center, new step in meeting its customers where they sales. HUAWEI nova has assumed its fleeting joys of youth with the timeless at the forefront of design innovation. around which their world orbits. A new are, while developing its financial services place alongside the more established P nature of photography. This trendsetting nature and unrelenting Super Nova might be coming- It is offerings. and Mate series, blazing a trail as a pio- commitment to reinvention matches the rumored that Huawei will be bringing the Using Ooredoo’s direct carrier billing serv- neering product line with a distinctive Lighting the way to a brighter future ethos of young consumers in 2019, who new HUAWEI nova 5T to the State of ice is very simple. Customers with a new or aura. But unlike the distant stars in the For many young people, smartphones take smartphones for granted as essen- Kuwait soon. existing Apple ID can select “Mobile Phone” as their payment method in account settings on the App Store or iCloud from their iPhone, Gulf Bank’s iPad, iPod touch, Apple Watch, Mac or on iTunes from their PC. The new payment option winner claims will be configured automatically and immedi- ately allows for one-tap purchasing from any cash prize up to Apple product. Mijbil Al-Ayoub, Senior Director of Corporate Communications at Ooredoo Kuwait, commented “We are keen on 12 times his salary providing our customers with the latest servic- KUWAIT: Gulf Bank has announced the winner of its es from Apple that best suit their needs.” eleventh monthly Salary Account draw of the year. This Ooredoo has been at the forefront of digi- month’s lucky winner, Meshari Humoud Alshammari, tal transformation by launching products and will take home a cash prize of up to 12 times his salary. services such as cellular connectivity for The Salary Account draw took place at Gulf Bank’s Apple Watch. The launch of carrier billing is Jabriya branch in the presence of a representative from another strong step in this direction by offer- the Ministry of Commerce. With the 2019 Kuwaiti Salary Offer, new customers ing a new payment method to our customers. who transfer their salaries to Gulf Bank are automati- For more information, please contact 121, our cally enrolled in the monthly draws, giving them the team will answer all inquiries around the chance to win cash prizes of up to 12 times their salary. interest-free loan of up to KD 10,000. Customers must 70,000 or a consumer loan of up to KD 25,000. To find clock 7 days a week. Or visit our website Customers are also enrolled in a yearly draw of have a minimum salary of KD 500 and are eligible for out more about Gulf Bank’s Salary Account, customers www.ooredoo.com.kw or the nearest shop to Kuwait’s largest salary prize, a cash prize of up to 100 the offer following their first salary transfer to Gulf can visit one of Gulf Bank’s 58 branches or log on to you, or simply use our App ‘MyOoredoo’ for times the winner’s salary. Bank. www.e-gulfbank.com. Customers can also contact the Gulf Bank’s Salary Account also gives new cus- updates and more. Customers can also enjoy additional benefits like a Customer Contact Center on 1805805 or direct their tomers the opportunity to receive either a KD 100 cash Visa or MasterCard credit card free of charge for a queries through the WhatsApp service on 65805805 gift upon transferring their salaries to Gulf Bank, or an year. They can also apply for a loan of up to KD for assistance and guidance.

NBK Macroeconomic Outlook

of macroeconomic stability. Economic growth has con- October 2005. This was driven by the state’s efforts ago. We expect this trend to continue, with the pri- The external sector Egypt’s tinued its robust trend, reaching 5.6% in the first quar- to ensure an adequate food supply and by continued mary surplus averaging 2.5% of GDP over the next Egypt’s external current account improved fol- ter (July-September) of the current fiscal year strengthening of the EGP, which gained about 10% couple of years. lowing the adoption of the reform program, with (FY19/20). Looking ahead, we expect growth to against the USD in 2019, helping to curb import The overall budget deficit remains relatively high the deficit dropping from 6.1% of GDP in FY16/17 economy is improve but at a slower pace compared to recent years. price pressures. standing at 8.2% of GDP in FY18/19, due mainly to to 2.7% in FY18/19. It should shrink gradually to Real GDP growth will remain strong at around We expect inflation to remain low in the single high debt service costs. In fact, interest payments around2% of GDP inFY21/22 on account of further 5.5% in FY19/20 and average about 5% for the next digits by 2022. These projections, however, are sub- have increased in recent years, reflecting both the growth in remittances and tourism as well as on a favorable couple of years. It will be supported by a strong ject to uncertainty related to movements in the oil rise in outstanding public debt and higher domestic increase in gas revenue. pick-up in capital spending, a further improvement price, the exchange rate, and food price volatility, funding costs. We expect the fiscal deficit to narrow trajectory in the tourism sector and continued increases in nat- which has a large weight in the consumer basket. further to 7.5% of GDP in FY19/20and reach 6% by Promising outlook ural gas production, which could turn Egypt into a Slowing inflation has provided some space for the FY21/22, thanks to higher revenues (taxes and gas) Egypt made commendable progress under its KUWAIT: Egypt has achieved its key objective of net gas exporter in the short-run. Egypt will likely Central Bank of Egypt (CBE) to cut its interest rate and energy subsidy reforms. bold adjustment program and was able to restore macroeconomic stability under the authorities’ move to a new precautionary non-financial program four times in 2019by a cumulative 450bps. And while Public debt declined from 108% of GDP macroeconomic stability in a relatively short time. reform program. Economic growth is expected to in which the IMF will play an advisory role, provid- there is still more room for further cuts, we do, how- inFY16/17 to an estimated 92% of GDP in FY18/19, Egypt’s unwavering commitment to reform should remain robust, and inflation should trend lower over ing important policy and technical support. Coupled ever, expect the CBE to remain prudent and move driven by cuts to benchmark interest rates and the now translate into a second-generation set of the forecast period. The budget deficit and the with the authorities continued commitment to cautiously-perhaps cutting the rate by 300-400 bps move towards more international debt that carries measures that focus on deep-rooted structural external current account are expected to improve reforms, such a program should help sustain Egypt’s in 2020-if inflation remains subdued. lower interest rates. With lower budget financing rigidities reflected mainly in the still dominant pub- further in 2020-2022. Large debt servicing costs and economic gains. needs, public debt is expected to fall to around 80% lic sector. Egypt will need to focus on improving a relatively weak private sector are major risks to the High debt servicing costs of GDP by FY21/22, but the structure of the debt will the business environment and developing the pri- otherwise promising outlook. Slowing inflation The authorities continue to make progress in fis- be tilted more toward external debt. In this context, vate sector to become the primary driver of eco- Despite the energy subsidy cuts adopted at the cal consolidation. Despite the recent increase in gov- the government plans to issue during the current fis- nomic growth. Addressing poverty and strength- Egypt’s economy start of the fiscal year in July2019, urban inflation ernment salaries and pensions in July 2019, the pri- cal year about $7.0 billion multi-currency denomi- ening social safety nets will make it easier to forge Egypt has successfully completed its 3-year IMF started to decelerate faster than expected. It stood mary budget surplus is estimated to have nated international bonds to benefit from the histori- ahead with the rest of the agenda over the next supported reform program, achieving its key objective at 3.1% y/yin October 2019, the lowest reading since reached1.5% of GDP in FY18/19 from 0.2%a year cally low global interest rates. three years. Established 1961 15

Wednesday, December 11, 2019 What’s On Sheraton Kuwait Hotels celebrate the Global Customer Appreciation Week 2019

heraton Kuwait, a guests by dedicating the entire week to this goal. Luxury Collection Marriott International, as the world’s favorite hotel SHotel and Four Points chain, has created a wonderful world of travel through by Sheraton Kuwait, cele- the Marriott Bonvoy’s latest loyalty program. With 30 brated the Global Customer brands, members can enjoy exclusive benefits in more Appreciation Week with a than 7,000 hotels and resorts across the world with HALO event held at the exceptional range of brands in 131 countries around the Diamond Grand Ballroom world, pursuant to Marriott International’s vision to with an attendance of more provide you with the best services that help customers than 350 Marriott meet all the needs and requirements of you and your International clients from guests here at Kuwait, we are also happy to help you government institutions and book groups or meetings at any Marriott International corporations in Kuwait in Fahad Abushaar hotels worldwide. recognition of their contin- On the sidelines of the Global Customer ued loyalty and support. Appreciation Week, Fahad Abushaar, General Manager During the event, guests were received by the work, he added “the project to upgrade the level of continued support and loyalty, adding that our goal is of Sheraton Kuwait Hotels, said that this time of year is Executive Management and the Sales Team. A welcome services that would provide a clear picture for the to strengthen our relations with our customers and an opportunity for us to thank our guests and cus- speech was rendered by Mounir Amer, the General Kuwait hotel industry to see” improve the level of services. tomers personally, and to bring something back to the Manager of Four Points Hotel, explaining the details of Mazen Al Mhana, the Assistant Executive Manager Guests were also treated to a live sand painting show communities in which we live and work. Leading in the the renovation plan of the Sheraton Hotel is undergoing of Sheraton Kuwait Hotel, welcomed the guests and to recall the 50-year mark of the hotel, followed by a exceptional hospitality industry for entrepreneurs and in coordination with the mother company and Marriott expressed his gratitude to all those who participated in special dinner attended by a team of skilled chefs with guests of Kuwait and today we continue the process of International Company to complete the ongoing work the GCAW HALO Event 2019 and extended his great rich dishes from Sheraton Kuwait’s diverse restaurants. development and innovation to provide more luxury for the next three years. In addition to the renovation appreciation to companies and organizations for their This week gives us the opportunity to thank our experiences for our guests.

CBK’s 2020 Burgan Bank organizes calendar school field trip for reflects ancient Iqra’a Bilingual School Kuwaiti history

Sheikhah Nouf Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah

ith the approach of the new year - 2020, The Commercial Bank of WKuwait (CBK) announced issuing its new 2020 calendar including a number of artistic paintings reflecting the devel- opment Kuwait witnessed in various cul- tural, artistic, literary, economic and edu- cational fields over the past decades. As usual, CBK stressed the significance of highlighting that phase in Kuwait’s his- tory painted by artist, Yaqoub Yousif Ibrahim. In this regard, CBK’s executive manager of the corporal communication division, urgan Bank, one of the highest ensuring a successful business through Sheikhah Nouf Salem Al-Ali Al-Sabah contributors to progress in socie- their respective tasks such as the tellers, said: “CBK has been annually issuing a cal- Bty, recently welcomed young stu- customer service etc. Burgan Bank endar highlighting the main events in dents from “Iqra’a Bilingual School” to seeks to create a conscious and educat- Kuwait’s history to be used as a reference its Head Office as part of an educational ed generation that benefits the society that does not expire by the end of the tour. The school field trip was managed Supporting education falls under year”. Al-Sabah added that CBK’s 2020 by the Senior Branch Manager Ahmad Burgan Bank’s CSR strategy, through calendar includes several paintings of We will also discuss Haroun’s admoni- Al Rebian & Area Sales Manager its program: ‘ENGAGE’ - Together to events that took place in the previous cen- TIES Centre tion to the calf-worshipers, what Allah Mohammad Al Qenaei, who provided be the change. Burgan Bank sheds tury, which was full of achievements, such (SWT) said of His mercy and examine the the children a learning experience in the light on important aspects affecting as founding the Kuwaiti army and educa- he TIES Center cordially invites various types of guidance. world of banking. every segment of the society by pro- tional development. you to another session on the Finally, we will discuss the qualities of Burgan Bank believes in empowering moting social welfare through educa- Al-Sabah also noted that CBK’s calen- TStories of Prophets tomorrow, those who deserve Allah’s exclusive mercy, the kids with a solid foundation in edu- tional, cultural, social and health initia- dar and all other publications and heritage December 12th, at 7 pm. In this class, we and ponder the authentic questions Musa cational and first hand instructive tives. Burgan Bank’s approach to reviving activities are part of the bank’s will learn why Allah (SWT) was angry (AS) asked Allah (SWT), eliciting a lot of knowledge by broadening their aca- ‘ENGAGE’ begins with a vital princi- long history and efforts exerted to revive with the seventy most righteous men lessons that, if implemented sincerely, will demic development beyond the limits of ple that as a Kuwaiti financial institu- the ancient Kuwaiti heritage to remind new among the Israelites who went to repent transform our lives. Come and learn more a classroom. During the tour, the chil- tion, its conduct and policies should generations of both the heritage and the on behalf of the calf- worshipers, their about the life and times of Prophet Musa dren had the opportunity to meet with be aligned with the needs and inter- major events in Kuwait’s history and keep destiny, and Musa’s supplication. (AS) in a serene and relaxed environment. the different sections responsible for ests of the Kuwaiti society. them alive in minds forever. 16 Health & Science Wednesday, December 11, 2019 Brazil milks deadly snakes for their life-saving venom SAO PAULO: Gripping the deadly snake behind its jaws, Fabiola de Souza massages its venom glands to squeeze out drops that will save lives around Brazil where thou- sands of people are bitten every year. De Souza and her colleagues at the Butantan Institute in Sao Paulo harvest the toxin from hundreds of snakes kept in captivity to pro- duce antivenom. It is distributed by the health ministry to medical facili- ties across the country. Dozens of poisonous snake species, including the jararaca, thrive in Brazil’s hot and humid climate. Nearly 29,000 people were bitten in 2018 and more than 100 died, official figures show. States with the highest rates of snakebite were in the vast and remote Amazon basin where it can take hours to reach a hospital stocked with antivenom. Venom is extracted from each snake once a month in a delicate and potentially danger- ous process. Using a hooked stick, de Souza carefully lifts one of the slithering creatures out of its plastic box and maneuvers it into a drum of carbon dioxide. Within min- utes the reptile is asleep. “It’s less stress for the animal,” de Souza explains. The snake is then placed on a stainless SAO PAULO: A highly venomous Golden Lancehead snake is seen at the Butantan steel bench in the room where the temperature hovers Institue - which supplies the Ministry of Health, with many snakes’ venom for its around 27 degrees Celsius (80 degrees Fahrenheit). De ditribution countrywide- in Sao Paulo. — AFP A highly venomous Golden Lancehead snake is seen at the Butantan Institue. Souza has a few minutes to safely extract venom before the snake begins to stir. “It’s important to have fear because when people have fear they are careful,” she says. amounts of the poison into horses - kept by Butantan on a - around 250,000 10-15 milliliter vials per year. Brazil also suffer amputations and other permanent disabilities as a farm - to trigger an immune response that produces toxin- donates small quantities of antivenom to several countries result of the toxin. To cut the number of deaths and Antivenom ‘crisis’ attacking antibodies. Blood is later extracted from the in Latin America.There are now plans to sell the life-saving injuries, WHO unveiled a plan earlier this year that The snakes are fed a diet of rats and mice that are hoofed animals and the antibodies harvested to create a serum abroad to help relieve a global shortage, particular- includes boosting production of quality antivenoms. Brazil raised at the leafy institute and killed before being served serum that will be administered to snakebite victims who ly in Africa. About 5.4 million people are estimated to be is part of the strategy. It could begin to export antivenom up once a month. After milking the snake, de Souza might otherwise die. bitten by snakes every year, according to the World Health as early as next year, Wen says. “There is interest for records its weight and length before placing it back in its Butantan project manager Fan Hui Wen, a Brazilian, says Organization (WHO). Butantan to also supply other countries due to the global container. The antivenom is made by injecting small the institute currently makes all of the country’s antivenom Between 81,000 and 138,000 die, while many more risis of antivenom production,” she says. — AFP 17

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

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Call: 24833199 ext:101,102 or Direct line: 24835616 / 24835617 or email: [email protected] 18 Established 1961 Stars Wednesday, December 11 , 2019

CROSSWORD 2382 STAR TRACK

Aries (March 21-April 19) Libra (September 23-October 22)

You are focused and determined to take care of business. You will You are a practical person with an abundance of common sense. not let anything, nor anyone stand in your way. You want to get things You are able to use both of these qualities as assets to make your way to the accomplished and crave organization. You may feel as though there is a place top in the career world. You may be feeling a need to change your focus and for everyone and everything in your life and you are determined to make sure tighten your circle a bit. You feel as if you need to spend more of your time they are in it. You have zero tolerance for anything or anyone that does not and attention on you and yours. At this point you may have accomplished your conform to your way of thinking. This could be a very productive time in your goal in the workplace but feel you need to continue to work on your goal at life. You will be able to move mountains if you maintain this level of organiza- home. This will be a balancing act to continue to make sure you thrive in every tion and determination. Your health becomes an additional focus for you as area of your life. Your communication skills are at all time high and you are you need to be at your best to accomplish all you have set as goals for your- able to relate and interact with ease to all who surround you. self. This is a great time and you are making good decisions.

Taurus (April 20-May 20) Scorpio (O ctober 23-November 21)

You may be experiencing a time of drastic change in your world. Whether a surprise is good or bad today depends on how you Renovations to your home, buying or selling real estate, or new furnishings may be choose to look at life. You can always choose to look at things with a positive atti- something you are dealing with now. You will have to work hard to keep a balance tude. Assume things will turn out in your favor and make them happen. Hard work between change and continuity. Change like this can be shocking and hard to and determination have always been two of the great qualities you possess. You adjust to. You may find yourself in the middle of a bit of drama. You may find your- are able to make anything you attempt to do look easy. Others are often envious self working hard to resolve conflict. You could be faced with having to handle of your talent. Be sure and keep your workday stress free today. You can use someone who has opposing views, and different opinions from yourself. This is a humor to accomplish this, Taurus. You are known for that great sense of humor. time of decision. Changes have to be made. Get the facts, Scorpio. Make sure you have all of the facts before you make any decisions. Actions have consequences and the right decision needs to be made.

Gemini (May 21-June 20)

It seems as if those around you have let down their guard. You may find ACROSS 3. The beginning of anything. those close to you truly letting you in and openly sharing more than usual. It seems you Sagittarius (November 22-December 21) 1. The bureau of the Treasury Department 4. Seeming unaffected by pleasure or pain. have earned the trust of many. You may be seen as someone trustworthy and caring. At responsible for tax collections. 5. A heavy brittle metallic element of the every turn you feel there is someone seeking your advice or sharing a story. Do not take With a little planning you can turn a forgettable day into unforgettable 4. A salt or ester derived from silicic acid. platinum group. on the emotions of others. You are wise and will be able to give great advice, but be moments. Remind yourself today that you have a precious life. You are fortunate to be 12. A barrier constructed to contain the flow 6. A brief description given for purposes of careful to not become too involved in the drama. You may have an opportunity today to alive. Of course, there is some darkness out there. But your unique light can overcome or water or to keep out the sea. air out your differences with an old friend. Bury the hatchet and be thankful for a new the dark. Special moments almost always involve other people, so you can contribute to identification. beginning, Gemini. This friendship could be very beneficial to you in the future. 15. An engineering university in Cambridge. 7. One of the most common of the five major making someone else’s day memorable. 16. Brilliantly colored Asian pheasant having classes of immunoglobulins. wattles and two fleshy processes on the 8. Lack of respect accompanied by a feeling head. of intense dislike. Cancer (June 21-July 22) 17. An agency of the United Nations affiliat- 9. A short synopsis. ed with the World Bank. Capricorn (December 22-January 19) 10. A hard gray lustrous metallic element that It may be time to reorganize and restructure your world. You may 18. The mission in San Antonio where in 1836 is highly corrosion-resistant. Mexican forces under Santa Anna find you have a new attitude and this gives you a new outlook on life. Happiness is This a great period of mental activity for you. Your communication levels 11. Either extremity of something that has what you seek. A true need to be free from want. You are a hard worker and will besieged and massacred American are heightened. It seems as though you have so many ideas to share and you are able length. find your efforts are not going unnoticed. This is a time to be more conservative rebels who were fighting to make Texas to fascinate everyone with what you have to say. You are smart as a fox and you feel 12. English theoretical physicist who applied Be sure and focus on the security of your future. The only person you can depend independent of Mexico. empowered by the fact others are taking note of this. In general this a time you feel on taking care of you is YOU, Cancer. Keep your thoughts, energy, and focus pos- great and feel as if you are at your intellectual best. You not only feel great about who 20. Something causes misery or death. relativity theory to quantum mechanics and predicted the existence of antimat- itive and you will move mountains. This is a great time in your life, enjoy. you are, you feel wonderful about where you are in life. Things seem to be going your 21. A unit of elastance equal to the reciprocal way. Happiness is a wonderful emotion. Enjoy this time in your life. of a farad. ter and the positron (1902-1984). 23. A republic in southeastern Europe. 13. (Old Testament) In Judeo-Christian mythology. 25. Hormone released by the hypothalamus Leo (July 23-August 22) that controls the release of thyroid-stim- 14. A Chadic language spoken south of Lake Chad. ulating hormone from the anterior pitu- If you take a bottle of soda and shake it up, it will inevitably explode! Aquarius (January 20- February 18) itary. 19. A member of a North American Indian Your home life seems as if someone has been shaking the bottle. You are on the people living east of the Sacramento riv- 27. Fallow deer. brink of a blow up concerning your home and family life. It seems the more you Today finds you a wizard of words. Through your words you may be 28. The basic unit of money in Mozambique. er in California. do, the more others expect. You may find others having expectations of you that able to bring a group together. You are persuasive and captivating. 29. A permanent council of the United 22. The clay from which adobe bricks are are not humanly possible to achieve. Keep your cool and do only what you can Poetry and art would be wonderful outlets for self-expression now. You may feel Nations. made. do. Avoid conflict, as this may be your breaking point. Always remember you can as you are walking in a dream. An almost trancelike feeling comes over you. This is 30. An official prosecutor for a judicial dis- 24. A silvery soft waxy metallic element of not take back words after they are spoken, Leo. Bite your tongue. a good evening to find an escape, a good book or staying in and watching a movie trict. the alkali metal group. would be a great way to spend your evening. Even if a long bath is the route you 34. Fishtail palm of India to Malay Peninsula. 26. Socks and stockings and tights collec- choose find a way to have a relaxing evening. 38. A small vessel with a rim curved to fit the tively (the British include underwear as Virgo (August 23-September 22) orbit of the eye. hosiery). 41. A reptile genus of Iguanidae. 31. Tough protective covering of the woody You may find yourself at odds with those around you today. You could 44. The ball-shaped capsule containing the stems and roots of trees and other encounter obstacles and other bumps in the road that slow your progress and cause vertebrate eye. woody plants. you to have to sit back and reevaluate your choices and decisions. You may find you Pisces (February 19-March 20) 45. A submerged bank of sand near a shore 32. English botanical writer and publisher feel you are being deceived or misled by someone who has authority over you. You or in a river. (1746-1799). may feel as if the actions you are being asked to take in the workplace go against What do you want out of life? Now is the perfect time to set your goals. Now is the time to act and decide. You may have a very narrow window 48. Produce a literary work. 33. Pleasantly (even unrealistically) opti- your values. This is a time to sit back and watch, rather than speak and a time to put 50. (chemistry) Relating to or containing an deep thought into your decisions before you act. This may leave you in a disapprov- of opportunity to make some big changes. It seems as if your goals may jeop- mistic. alkali. ing mood and your day overall could bring a level of frustration that leaves you feel- ardize your sense of security. Weigh the options and act now. Risk can some- 35. A republic in southern Europe on the 51. Loss of the ability to swallow. ing defeated. Chin up, Virgo, things will be back to normal soon. times bring great reward. 53. City in Sudan. Italian Peninsula. 54. The center of an object. 36. A form of Japanese poetry. 37. A bluish-white lustrous metallic element. 56. In or of the present month. Wordsearch Puzzle Yesterday’s Solution 57. An inflammatory disease involving the 39. A name for the Old Testament God as sebaceous glands of the skin. transliterated from the Hebrew YHVH. 59. A metric unit of volume or capacity equal 40. Expandable metal or wooden wedge to 10 liters. used by printers to lock up a form within 61. A state in northwestern North America. a chase. 64. A person with a strong desire for some- 42. The Tibeto-Burman language spoken in thing. the Dali region of Yunnan. 69. Aristocratic Italian family of powerful 43. Showing characteristics of age, especially merchants and bankers who ruled having gray or white hair. Florence in the 15th century. 46. The basic unit of money in Gambia. 71. A loose sleeveless outer garment made 47. Raspberry native to eastern North from aba cloth. America having black thimble-shaped 72. A plant hormone promoting elongation of fruit. stems and roots. 49. A bar or bars of rolled steel making a 73. Dry brandy distilled in the Armagnac dis- track along which vehicles can roll. trict of France. 52. A tricycle (usually propelled by ped- 75. An ancient Hebrew unit of capacity equal alling). to 10 baths or 10 ephahs. 55. Nicaraguan statesman (born in 1945). 76. A condition (mostly in boys) character- 58. The basic unit of money in Nigeria. ized by behavioral and learning disor- 60. Any of several tall tropical palms native ders. to southeastern Asia having egg-shaped 77. A river in northeastern Brazil that flows generally northward to the Atlantic nuts. Ocean. 62. A soft heavy toxic malleable metallic ele- 78. Used of a single unit or thing. ment. 63. (Babylonian) God of storms and wind. DOWN 65. A Loloish language. 1. (Islam) The man who leads prayers in a 66. The basic unit of money in Bangladesh. mosque. 67. Very dark black. 2. German poet (born in Austria) whose 68. Not widely known. imagery and mystic lyricism influenced 70. Cooking utensil consisting of a wide 20-th century German literature (1875- metal vessel. 1926). 74. A form of address for a man.

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Established 1961 Lifestyle

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2019

(From left to right) Golden Globe Ambassador Dylan Brosnan, Actress Dakota Fanning, Actor Tim Allen, Actress Susan Kelechi Watson and Golden Globe Ambassador Paris Brosnan pose on stage after the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards nomi- nations announcement at the Beverly Hilton hotel in Beverly Hills. — AFP Photos

ollywood disruptor Netflix dominated nations for Netflix on the comedy side. The stream- the Golden Globe nominations Monday er managed three film nods last year, for Mexican as its heart-wrenching divorce saga black-and-white drama “Roma.” The Golden H“Marriage Story” grabbed six nods Globes, which feature separate awards for dramas including best drama, kicking off the race for the and musicals/comedies, are known for favoring Oscars. The streaming giant, which has spent bil- star-studded movies that perform well at the box lions to lure the industry’s top filmmaking talent office, often with scant regard for critics’ reviews. and fund lavish awards season campaigns, Dark comic book tale “Joker,” which has trounced the traditional Tinseltown studios with a grossed over $1 billion worldwide despite polariz- whopping 17 film nominations. ing critics, was nominated for best drama, best “I’m not surprised by the dominance-I’m sur- actor (Joaquin Phoenix) and best director (Todd prised by how massive the dominance is,” Lorenzo Phillips). But the HFPA’s 90-odd members once Soria, president of the Hollywood Foreign Press again did not select any female directors, with Association, told AFP at the Beverly Hills ceremony. “Little Women” helmer Greta Gerwig notably “The announcements this morning are sort of like a absent. “These are not our people and they do not coming-of-age of the streaming services.” “The represent us,” tweeted Alma Har’el, director of the Irishman,” Martin Scorsese’s three-and-a-half- snubbed childhood drama “Honey Boy.” “Do not hour gangster epic also from Netflix, secured five look for justice in the awards system. We are build- nominations, ending tied for second with “Once ing a new world.” Upon a Time in Hollywood,” Quentin Tarantino’s nostalgic love letter to 1960s Tinseltown. Giant Golden Globe trophy are set on stage ahead Star power The nominations traditionally see the stars and of the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards nomina- Underlining its supremacy, Netflix also secured movies destined for awards success start to break tions announcement at the Beverly Hilton hotel in the most television nominations, with 17. The latest nominations were announced at an early-morning Presenter Dakota Fanning away from the competition-the Globes are seen as Beverly Hills. series of royal family drama “The Crown,” which ceremony by actor Tim Allen (“Toy Story”) and speaks at the 77th Annual a major bellwether for February’s Academy Awards. features an all-new cast led by Olivia Colman, actresses Dakota Fanning (“I Am Sam”) and Susan Golden Globe Awards “Marriage Story” earned nominations for its stars and Brad Pitt made the acting shortlists, along with secured a joint-top four nominations. Rival HBO Kelechi Watson (“This Is Us”). Nominations Announcement Scarlett Johansson and Adam Driver, and for its Tarantino for directing. The film helped Sony to managed 15, although the much-maligned final sea- The 77th Golden Globes will take place in Los at The Beverly Hilton Hotel. screenplay, but Noah Baumbach missed out as reach eight nominations and finish second overall. son of “Game of Thrones” earned just a single nod, Angeles on January 5, two days before voting for director. The film portrays how a seemingly stable for lead actor Kit Harington. New streaming plat- Oscars nominees ends. Nods for Beyonce, Taylor love can be ripped apart after Johansson’s actress ‘Not our people’ form Apple TV+, launched last month, secured its Swift and Jennifer Lopez across best original song moves from New York to Los Angeles, calling in Netflix’s “The Two Popes,” which imagines a first nominations, for flagship launch program “The (“The Lion King, “Cats”) and best supporting the lawyers as she separates from a self-absorbed series of debates between the strict, conservative Morning Show.” actress (“Hustlers”) categories will lend further star theater director played by Driver. Pope Benedict and his charismatic successor Lead actresses Jennifer Aniston and Reese power to the gala. The show will be hosted by Scorsese was nominated for best director for Francis, also performed well for the streamer, pick- Witherspoon, who also executive-produced the British comedian Ricky Gervais, returning for a “Irishman” but there was no best actor nod for his ing up acting nominations for Jonathan Pryce and series about a morning news program hit by a record fifth time. — AFP leading man Robert De Niro. Instead, Al Pacino and Anthony Hopkins. #MeToo scandal, were both nominated. And Meryl Joe Pesci were selected for supporting roles. For And Eddie Murphy’s comeback vehicle Streep broke her own record to bag a 34th Globe “Once Upon a Time...” stars Leonardo DiCaprio “Dolemite Is My Name” added a further two nomi- nomination for HBO’s “Big Little Lies.” Monday’s 20 Established 1961 Lifestyle Features Wednesday, December 11, 2019

A Thai instructor (left) trains his student from Hong Kong at the Wat Po Thai tra- ditional massage school, outside the Wat Po temple complex in Bangkok. Widely practiced across Thailand, from upscale Bangkok spas and Phuket beachfronts to modest local businesses, ‘nuad’-meaning massage-is up for review for inclu- sion by UNESCO’s committee during its December 9-14 meeting in Bogota.

Tourists are massaged at the Wat Po Thai traditional massage centre.

A Thai instructor (centre left) trains her students from Chile (centre right), France (front right) and a Thai (front left) at the Wat Po Thai traditional massage school.

t Bangkok’s Reclining Buddha temple Krairath later within families. Under Thailand’s King Rama III in the their hands and knowledge,” he says. Chantrasri says he is a proud custodian of a 2,000- nineteenth century, scholars engraved their knowledge of Today a therapist at a top-end spa can charge around Ayear-old skill - the body-folding, sharp-elbowed the field onto the stones of Wat Pho. But the practice real- $100 an hour inside Thailand, two or three times more in techniques of Thai massage, which this week could be ly took off in 1962 thanks to the formation of the school, London, New York or Hong Kong where the Thai massage added to UNESCO’s prestigious heritage list. From which has since trained more than 200,000 massage ther- brand is booming. But the training is “demanding”, says upscale Bangkok spas and Phuket beach fronts to modest apists who practice in 145 countries. Chilean Sari, a professional masseuse who travelled to street-side shophouses, “nuad Thai”-or Thai massage-is Bangkok to learn the discipline. “The technique is very ubiquitous across the kingdom, where an hour of the Turning the tables precise, there are so many things to be aware of,” the 34- back-straightening discipline can cost as little as $5. Massage employs tens of thousands of Thais. The year-old told AFP, as she made rotations with her palm on This week it may be added to UNESCO’s list of school’s director Preeda Tangtrongchitr says they usually a fellow student’s skull. “Intangible Cultural Heritage” when the body meets in the see an uptick of interest from Thais when the economy is The teachings focus on directing blood circulation Colombian capital of Bogota (December 9-14). Krairath, bad. “For many people who are disabled or in debt, this around problem areas to solve muscle aches-sometimes who teaches at the Reclining Buddha School inside the job is an opportunity because it requires no material-only drawing winces from clients unaccustomed to the force famed Wat Pho temple, helps thousands of Thai and for- applied. Studies have shown it can help relieve back pain, eign students who flock to the centre each year. headaches, insomnia and even anxiety. For Matthieu The son of a masseuse, he takes great pride in his role Rochefolle, a nurse from Lyon, France, adding Thai mas- sharing the ancient discipline at a temple whose certifica- sage techniques to his repertoire of skills could help his tion is a proud banner for any massage shop. “I’m a con- elderly patients aching for relief. “It could also allow me to tinuation of our collective knowledge,” the 40-year-old earn a little more,” he says. — AFP told AFP. At Wat Pho’s complex, trainees run through a catalogue of moves targeting the body’s acupuncture points with thumbs, elbows, knees and feet also incorpo- rating deep stretches and contortions. Originating in India, doctors and monks were said to A tourist gets a massage at the Thai tra- Tourists get a massage at the Thai traditional massage centre have brought these methods 2,500 years ago to Thailand, ditional massage centre inside the Wat inside the Wat Po temple complex in Bangkok. passing its secrets from master to disciple in temples and Po temple complex in Bangkok.

loud hiss rips through the stillness of ‘Jet engine with wheels’ Typhoon at the same altitude. “The big Bloodhound team’s only female member, making his fortune, defended his new car- southern Africa’s Kalahari Desert. It The Bloodhound was designed exclusive- issues were aerodynamics, keeping it on the Jessica Kinsman. The 39-year-old air traffic bon-intensive hobby as a source of “inspira- Asounds like a fighter jet flying low over ly for speed - the team hopes, if possible, to ground,” he said. “You don’t want it to be a controller makes sure to minimise any source tion”. Breaking the record “would obviously the Hakskeen Pan, an isolated dry lake bed in get up to 1,000 mph. The vehicle resembles plane.” As the engine’s nine tons of thrust are of danger along the 16-kilometre desert be an amazing thing”, he said. South Africa’s Northern Cape province, near a wingless jet on aluminium wheels, with a still unable to break the sound barrier, track. Nothing escapes her eagle eyes, be it “But it’s the journey to get there that is the Namibian border. Then a thick cloud of long white body topped by an engine and a Chapman and his team plan to give it a boost the wind factor, obstacles or a slight anomaly really exciting.” And he said that he hoped sand appears on the horizon, growing stabiliser. Its design is miles ahead of the with... a rocket engine. Green is not intimi- in the vehicle’s motion. the team’s work would inspire others to steadily as it draws near. In the blink of an bullet-shaped electric car in which French dated by the prospect. The 57-year RAF “Here, it’s almost an airfield, there is a advance new technologies, especially in eye, a racing car shoots by with a deafening aristocrat Gaston de Chasseloup-Laubat set pilot has held the current land speed record runway, there is an aircraft, more or less,” becoming carbon neutral. “So if we can help screech and pelts towards the opposite end the first land speed record on December 18, since 1997. said Kinsman comparing the car to a plane, to inspire engineers to do that, then we’re of the salt pan. The “Bloodhound” is gearing 1898 — pushing the vehicle’s spoke wheels Skating from her viewpoint overlooking the desert in doing our part,” Warhurst said. The million- up to try to break the current land speed to 63.15 kph. “You can call it that, a jet “It’s a very different sensation,” to flying a the elevated glass-faced control station. “We aire said that he hoped the tests in South record, which stands at 760 miles per hour engine with wheels, but it’s far more sophis- fighter jet, Green told AFP. “A very different have the final say on a number of things,” she Africa would help attract other investors. (1,223.657 kilometres per hour). There’s still ticated than that,” said Stuart Edmondson, environment... (and) vehicle.” But the skills added, with a smile. Meanwhile, a man dis- This desert tryout, which took place a way to go before the super racer is ready head of Bloodhound operations. and the “second by second” decisions need- creetly oversees the mechanics as the team between late October and mid-November, for that attempt, but today driver Andy Chief engineer Mark Chapman described ed to stay in control are like flying a jet fight- busies itself around the Bloodhound in the has seen the Bloodhound’s speedometer Green is pleased. the racer as “part Formula 1” and “part jet er “at the limits of its performance”, he cool-aired tent. Ian Warhurst is the racer’s needle creep up to 1,010 kph. The car is now “We have reached 904 kph (561.72 fighter”. “The car, as it is a car, has a steer- added. Green said the main difficulty was proud owner. He saved the failing project headed back to its home base in Britain for mph),” he says, beaming as he lifts himself ing wheel, has a throttle pedal, has a brake keeping the land vehicle steady. “The car last year by buying the Bloodhound, which more tweaking and the new rocket engine, out of the cockpit, helmet in hand. “First pedal,” he told AFP. The engine, built by starts to move around at about 300 kph, at was on the verge of being dismantled and before its expected return to the Kalahari by thing in the morning, plenty of thrust, nice Rolls Royce, once powered a Royal Air 350 kph it starts to almost skate on the sur- sold as spare parts. mid-2021 for another attempt. Green is calm wind, so the car ran absolutely Force (RAF) Eurofighter Typhoon fighter face,” he said. “It’s like driving on hard already excited at the thought. “I’m very straight.” The British-built Bloodhound jet. It was recycled from three decommis- packed snow in a normal car.” At such high ‘Inspiration’ confident there is nothing on the planet with stands sleekly behind him, dust still hovering sioned versions of the Typhoon’s engine, speed, the slightest mistake or technical “I have certainly spent sums of seven fig- the capability that Bloodhound car has,” he in its wake. The white parachute that helps it released by Britain’s defence ministry, glitch can be fatal. ures (in pounds) to get here,” Warhurst told said. “I’m confident we are going to break brake lies crumpled on the cracked ochre “without the handbooks”, chuckles a In August, the American professional rac- AFP. Ex-owner of a turbocharger manufac- the record.” — AFP soil. “Good parachute deployment,” adds the Bloodhound team member. er Jessi Combs was killed during a test-run turer in Britain, he said that amount was Briton, as the vehicle is towed into a large “It’s a car designed to go at 1,600 kph,” for a land-speed record attempt in Oregon’s “nothing” compared to money “you need to air-conditioned tent nearby. “That’s pretty said Chapman, adding that at top speed it Alvord Desert in the United States. In the spend for projects like, say, Formula 1 teams”. much the perfect run,” he says. would be almost 400 kph faster than a Kalahari, safety is managed by the Warhurst, 50, who retired last year after

Jet-propelled British Bloodhound LSR (Land Speed Record) cars are pictured during preliminary tests at Hakskeenpan in the Northern Cape Province. — AFP Established 1961 21 Lifestyle Features Wednesday, December 11, 2019

t a stately museum in Mexico City, great-grandpuppies reside. tion and model to Mexican artists, it has also of Kahlo and Rivera paintings. There is a statue priceless paintings by Frida Kahlo and “Xolos,” as they are known for short, are a joined the list of icons that represent Mexican in the dogs’ honor on the museum grounds, and ADiego Rivera share pride of place with quintessentially Mexican dog. The ancient identity, such as Day of the Dead skeletons, a professional caretaker just for them. “To us, an unruly pack of hairless black dogs: Mexico’s species goes back 7,000 years and was first Frida Kahlo and the Aztec calendar,” said these dogs are living works of art, just like prized xoloitzcuintle. The 13 dogs who reside domesticated around 5,500 years ago. The Maria Olvido Moreno, an art historian at Rivera’s and Kahlo’s paintings,” said curator on the leafy grounds of the Museo Dolores Aztecs named the dog for the god of death, Mexico’s largest university, UNAM. Josefina Garcia. Olmedo are the direct descendants of ones that Xolotl, combined with “itzcuintli,” or dog. They belonged to Kahlo and Rivera, whose searingly had themselves buried with xolos so the dogs Doggy survivors ‘Coco’ and rock stars intimate portraits (her) and sprawling murals could guide them to Mictlan, the underworld Xolos lack hair - though some do have a Xolos have become cool once again in the (him) made them the towering power couple of where they believed life continued after death. mohawk on top of their head - because of a 21st century - the dog of choice for 20- and 20th-century Mexican art. The dogs have gone in and out of style since genetic mutation that makes their organisms 30-somethings proud to embrace their unable to read the DNA for fur, according to Mexican heritage. They have had articles experts. They are also known for missing pre- devoted to them in such places as the style molar teeth, which leads to another character- pages of The New York Times, were declared istic look: their pink tongues can often be seen an official “icon of Mexico City” in 2016 and lolling out of their mouths. Additionally, their are the preferred pooch for residents like bodies are particularly warm. In ancient times, Ruben Albarran, frontman for famed rock band people with rheumatism or asthma would press Cafe Tacvba. “They have this link to Mexican the dogs to their bodies as treatment. culture that I love,” Albarran told AFP. A xolo By the time, Mexico launched its war for also featured prominently in Disney-Pixar’s independence from Spain in 1810, the xolo was 2017 movie “Coco”, which won the Oscar for on the brink of extinction. The Spaniards had best animated film. spurned the animals as a symbol of what they “Xolos are a good choice for people who considered pagan beliefs, and even killed and are interested in Mexican identity. And a hair- ate them. But xolos were able to survive largely less dog makes an excellent pet for fast-mov- thanks to the mountains of southern Mexico, a ing Mexico City. They can live in an apartment remote region where they lived in the wild and are easy to care for,” said Raul Valadez, an before being re-domesticated by indigenous expert at UNAM’s paleozoology lab. Proud peasant farmers. xolo owner Oscar Gamas, a 43-year-old audio But the dogs’ big cultural comeback came designer in Mexico City, said he, like many A Xoloitzcuintle (Ancient Mexican hairless dog) rests on the grass at the garden of the Dolores Olmedo after the Mexican Revolution of 1910. The rev- Xoloitzcuintles (Ancient Mexican hairless dogs) people, first got interested in the dogs for their Museum in Mexico City. — AFP photos olution ousted dictator Porfirio Diaz and his rest by a Xoloitzcuintle statue at the garden of the “symbolism.” But then he fell in love with his Europhile ruling class. The new Mexican cul- Dolores Olmedo Museum in Mexico City, Mexico. dog Deck’s reserved yet fiercely loyal and pro- Kahlo and Rivera were proud of their the Spanish conquistadors arrived in 1519 and tural elite, including Kahlo and Rivera, set tective personality. “When you live with one, Mexican heritage, which made the xoloitzcuin- toppled the Aztecs. about reclaiming long-stigmatized symbols of Rivera gave a pair of them to their friend you discover they have a personality that really tle - a tongue-twister pronounced something But five centuries later, they are rolling indigenous identity - not least the xolo. Kahlo Dolores Olmedo, a businesswoman, philanthro- sets them apart,” he said. — AFP like show-low-eats-QUEEN-t-lay - an obvious around in the glory of a renaissance, beloved (1907-1954) and Rivera (1886-1957) can be pist and art collector. Those are the ancestors choice for the family dog. They even put their by the hipster set in trendy neighborhoods seen proudly posing with and cuddling their of the dogs that now roam the grounds of the dogs in their paintings - some of them now on across Mexico City and the country. “The xolos in black-and-white photos from the mid- museum Olmedo established in her former display at the museum where their great- xoloitzcuintle has not just served as an inspira- 20th century. home, which hosts the world’s largest collection

n the land of the Sagas, it isn’t Christmas Gudmundur, have already picked the Danish rule. The custom “has something to most titles per capita behind Britain, if there isn’t a deluge of books under the books they want out of the “Bokatidindi”, do with the importance of literature during according to the International Publishers Itree - literally. The Jolabokaflod, or an 80-page catalogue of novels, poetry the Icelandic fight for independence and Association. Christmas Book Flood, is a much-loved and children’s books distributed free of the Icelandic search for identity: part of Around one in 10 Icelanders publishes tradition that has been celebrated in charge to all households. The 2019 cata- being an Icelander was to read books,” a book in their lifetime. And they’re big Iceland since 1945. It’s a bit like Britain’s logue features 842 new titles. Almost seven said Halldor Gudmundsson, an author and readers. The country counts more than 83 “Super Thursday”, when hundreds of hard- out of 10 Icelanders buy at least one book the former head of Iceland’s biggest pub- libraries - one for every 4,300 inhabi- A man stands in front of paintings by Pierre Soulages backs hit the shelves on the first Thursday as a Christmas gift, according to the lisher, Forlagid. tants. More than 90 percent of Icelanders during a press visit prior to the exhibition’s opening at of October, but much bigger: two-thirds of Icelandic Publishers Association. While books are increasingly being read at least one book a year, and half the Louvre museum, in Paris. — AFP books in Iceland are published in published at other times of the year, the read more than eight a year, according to November and December. Hundreds of ‘To be Icelandic is to read’ Jolabokaflod remains crucial for the pub- a 2013 study from Bifrost University. In new titles go on sale in bookshops and Iceland’s literary tradition was born lishing industry, accounting for 40 percent particular, the country has a thriving Man in black: Soulages supermarkets at reduced prices, a yuletide about 900 years ago with the Sagas, wide- of book sales in 2018, according to appetite for crime fiction and boasts a custom that has also become vital for the ly seen as a gem in world literature and still Statistics Iceland. “It’s so important that if host of crime writers, who over the last publishing industry’s survival. studied in school by Icelandic children this tradition dies, Icelandic publishing couple of decades have placed it on the gets Louvre tribute world map of police detective novels alongside their Swedish, Norwegian or Danish counterparts. for 100th birthday

Industry struggles hey call him art’s man in black. Artist Pierre Some books are bought during the Soulages has painted primarily in black for Jolabokaflod at supermarkets, where Teight decades — foreswearing all other bookshelves are set up near the produce, colours since 1979. Now the Louvre museum in frozen foods or bread sections, at hard-to- Paris is marking his 100th birthday with a rare resist prices. At full price, the average tribute to a living artist. Twenty works - out of hardback costs 6,990 kronur (about 52 more than 1,700 canvasses he has produced over euros, $57), more than twice the cost in his long career - will be shown in a special three- France or Britain. “You can’t buy books all month show, which opens Wednesday. The French year because you would just go broke,” master, still working despite turning 100 on says Brynjolfur Thorsteinsson, a 28-year- Christmas Eve, may yet make the opening in the old sales assistant at Mal og menning, one face of a national strike which has paralysed Visitors check out the Iceland pavilion featuring giant projections of people reading, at the Frankfurt Book Fair, where Iceland was the of Iceland’s oldest bookshops in Reykjavik. France’s rail network. guest of honour. — AFP photos Part of the high cost comes from the The Pompidou Centre in Paris, which staged a value-added tax (VAT) on books, hiked huge Soulages retrospective in 2009, is also get- from seven to 11 percent in 2015, which ting in on the celebrations by showing 14 of its On Christmas Eve, Icelanders tradition- today. The Icelandic Sagas describe events dies. It’s very clear,” said director Pall comes on top of already high printing and collection of 25 paintings. Having worked mostly ally exchange books and spend the among inhabitants of Iceland in the 10th Valsson, at Bjartur, Iceland’s second- import costs - as Iceland has almost no in black since 1946, Soulages began his voyage to evening reading — perhaps curling up by and 11th centuries. Written in the 13th cen- biggest publisher, where the Jolabokaflod forests, books have to be printed abroad. the dark heart of the colour in 1979 with a series the fireside with the latest crime novel by tury, they focus on history, especially accounts for 70 percent of annual sales. The high prices have had a negative of paintings called “outrenoir”, or beyond black. Arnaldur Indridason, who’s topped best- genealogical and family history, reflecting impact on the book market, with sales Since then, no other colour has appeared on his seller lists for the past two decades in his the settlers’ struggles and conflicts. The Writing is in Icelanders’ blood almost slashed in two since 2010. In a bid canvasses. Naturally, he also dresses in black. native country of 360,000 people. Jolabokaflod dates back to the end of The deluge of books can however make to support the industry, the government “Black is never the same because the light is “Literature is very important in Iceland World War II, when Iceland, a poor coun- it difficult for authors to break through. decided this year to reimburse 25 percent always changing it,” Soulages told AFP in his stu- and it is, I guess, the art form that is some- try, imposed strict currency restrictions “Unfortunately, so many good books just of the production costs for books pub- dio earlier this year. thing the whole public can relate to,” artist that limited imports. drown in the flood,” admits thriller writer lished in Icelandic, for both original and and mother-of-two Sigrun Hrolfsdottir, But paper remained affordable, so Lilja Sigurdardottir, whose works have translated works. — AFP Dark obsession who lives in Seltjarnarnes, a small district in books became the Christmas gift of choice. been translated into English and French. He described black as “a very active colour” the Reykjavik area, told AFP. Iceland had also just gained independence Iceland may be the most sparsely populat- that “lights up when you put it next to a dark Her daughter and son, Duna and after seven centuries of Norwegian and ed country in Europe, but it publishes the colour”. “Black isn’t the colour of mourning, white is,” he said in his spotless atelier in the Mediterranean town of Sete. Soulages is France’s most celebrated and expensive artist, with one of Great day for losers: Wimpy Kid author gets French medal his black canvasses selling for 9.6 million euros ($10.5 million) at auction in Paris last month. he Wimpy Kid has finally done good ed as a hilarious anti-hero by a generation Maryland and I studied French when I was He is also the first living painter ever to be - and his creator Jeff Kinney has of children and teenagers. “I always want- in 7th grade and I never could have imag- exhibited at the Hermitage museum in Saint Teven got a medal from France to ed to be a newspaper cartoonist,” Kinney ined coming here and being honoured in Petersburg. Hailed as “the world’s greatest living prove it. The American creator of the confessed. “But I didn’t have the artistic this way,” Kinney added. artist” by former French president Francois bestseller “Diary of a Wimpy Kid” books talent.” His eureka moment came “one day The father-of-two said he is convinced Hollande, Soulages admits to being a fierce per- was made an officer of France’s Order of when I realised if I drew at my talent level, that children are much more rounded than fectionist. If a painting is not 100 percent satis- Arts and Letters on Monday, an honour which was at the level of an 11- or 12-year- they were when he was growing up. “I factory, it will never see the light of day. “I burn also conferred on Nobel laureates T. S. old boy,” it might work. “The biggest sur- think that kids self-identify with being a the canvas outside. If it is mediocre, it goes,” he Eliot and Seamus Heaney as well as music prise to me is being published at all, nerd or a wimp in a way that they didn’t told AFP. megastars such as Bono and David Bowie. because the format was so unusual I didn’t when I was growing up. “I think that kids The Louvre exhibition will trace the develop- As the medal was pinned to his chest, think it would be published. are much more comfortable in their own ment of Soulages’s work from the end of World Kinney, 48, said he never expected his sto- skin these days, and that’s a really good War II to the present day. His principal technique ries to become such a cult children’s hit, The kids are cool thing,” he added. Kinney, who has become involves scraping, digging and etching thick lay- selling more than 200 million copies “I fully expected ‘Diary of a Wimpy Kid’ an advocate for limiting screen time for ers of paint with rubber spoons or tiny rakes to worldwide and spawning four movies. In would be rejected. So I think it’s crazy it’s children, has opened a community book- create different textures that absorb or reject light, subtly changing the monotonous black. Born fact, the cartoonist said that the misadven- in 64 languages now and I’m thrilled that shop called An Unlikely Story in his adopt- in 1919 in Rodez, southern France - where a tures of 12-year-old weakling Greg Heffley it’s translated into French,” he told ed hometown of Plainville, Massachusetts, museum is now dedicated to his work - even as a was initially aimed at adults nostalgic for reporters. Three million copies of the where he also has his studio.—AFP child he was obsessed with black.—AFP their middle-school years. books have been sold in France alone. “I But the geeky loser was quickly adopt- think this is really incredible. I grew up in 22 Established 1961

Wednesday, December 11, 2019 Lifestyle Features

erformance artist David Datuna waited two lar banana,” Datuna said. opened a gallery in Long Island City, New York. hours until “I was hungry” before eating a Datuna added that he didn’t need the publicity. In June 2017, shortly after President Donald Ppricey banana artwork in Miami, he explained But he basked in his latest exploit, boasting that a Trump announced he would withdraw the US from with laughter on Monday after returning to New video of his “performance” had generated 40,000 to the Paris climate agreement, Datuna created a work York. “It’s the first time one artist eats art of another 50,000 messages on Instagram, many of them con- with Trump’s name in dry ice on a Manhattan side- artist,” he said in a mirth-filled press conference. The gratulatory. Georgian-born artist Datuna praised walk. The installation, titled “this too shall pass,” Tbilisi-born Datuna, who has lived in New York for Cattelan, who is perhaps best known for his work gradually melted as New Yorkers gawked at the 22 years, shook up the Art Basel Florida modern art “America,” a toilet made of 18-carat gold. Cattelan’s work. Datuna said he has planned his next surprise show Saturday when he ate the real banana that had ideas are “genius,” said Datuna, who has never met for the Super Bowl, the National Football League been plastered to the wall as part of a work by Italian the Italian. “But I like also what I did.” Datuna has championship on February 2, also in Miami. — AFP David Datuna, the performance artist who ate a banana Saturday afternoon in artist Maurizio Cattelan. The work had been sold for previously shown works at the Smithsonian Institute’s Miami at Art Basel, speaks during a press conference in New York. — AFP $120,000. In spite of the price, “it tasted like a regu- National Portrait Gallery in Washington and recently

earing a pair of black-rimmed and technology books, started to teach his Supply and demand According to Pan, children at six or sev- Wglasses and a red T-shirt, an son how to write codes when he was five Parents who don’t have the skills to help en are fully capable of learning coding in eight-year-old Chinese boy is years old. “I learnt coding when I was can send their children to coding agencies, cognitive development. “Don’t underesti- logged in for an online coding lesson - as young, so I always believed that Vita which are booming thanks to demand from mate the learning speed of children. In the teacher. Vita has set up a coding tuto- learning coding at this age was something China’s middle-class families looking for some of our courses, they learn even faster rial channel on the Chinese video stream- normal,” he said. When Vita was four, they the best skills for their children. The value than our adults,” he said. Ten-year-old Ji ing site Bilibili since August and has so far started off by playing some coding-relat- of China’s programming education market Yingzhe has been studying the coding lan- hen tens of thousands of French workers garnered nearly 60,000 followers and ed games together, which used icons to for children was 7.5 billion yuan (over $1 guage Python for half a year at the agency Wdowned tools and took to the streets in over one million views. He is among a replace codes. billion) in 2017, but is set to exceed to 37.7 - before that, he took a semester-long protest against pension reform last growing number of children in China who After seeing that Vita played these billion yuan by 2020, according to course on fundamental robot building, Thursday, in their midst was a seemingly unlikely are learning coding even before they games very well, Zhou decided to help him Analysys, a Chinese internet analysis firm. which he felt was too simple. group of aggrieved picketers: ballet dancers from the enter primary school. The trend has been work on some real codes. This summer, “China’s programming education in “The codes have already been written Paris Opera. More accustomed to gliding across fuelled by parents’ belief that coding skills Vita surprised his father by successfully public school starts very late (compared to for you, and all you have to do is to organ- stages to orchestral melodies than pounding the will be essential for Chinese teenagers rewriting the codes in an app which didn’t developed countries), so our after-school ise these (code blocks) in order,” he told pavement to the rhythm of angry chants, the dancers given the government’s technological work in an updated system by himself. “I tutorial agency makes up for this short- AFP. Ji’s father sent him to learn program- doffed their pointe shoes to defend a special retire- drive. suggested to him to record how he age,” said Pan Gongbo, general manager of ming because he was spending a lot of ment regime they have enjoyed since 1689 under the “Coding’s not that easy but also not rewrote these codes,” said Zhou, and the Beijing-based Tongcheng Tongmei, a cod- time playing video games. There was a new reign of the Opera’s founder, the Sun King Louis XIV. that difficult - at least not as difficult as idea for online classes was born. Most ing education centre. The school’s rule at home: Ji could only play the games you have imagined,” says Vita, who lives in comments on Vita’s online videos express youngest student is only three years old. that he created himself. Ji has almost fin- Shanghai. The little boy uses his channel to amazement that he can write code and For children under six, the agency offers a ished writing a simple version of the popu- patiently take his students - who are even teach others at such a young age. “I special programme that includes activities lar game “Plants vs Zombies”. In mostly children older than him and young just learnt how to use the computer when I like Lego building, which also uses coding November, Vita competed in a coding adults - step-by-step through an Apple- was eight,” wrote one. knowledge and skills. competition for primary students, held by designed coding app called Swift the Shanghai Computer Society. Playgrounds Explaining as he goes, he He spent two months learning the cod- sometimes deliberately makes mistakes to ing language C++ for the competition, help show common errors to avoid. with the help of his father, going all the “When I am teaching, I am learning way to the final despite being among the new things at the same time,” adds Vita. youngest participants. In terms of what the China has been making huge investments future holds, Zhou said it will depend on in robotics and Artificial Intelligence (AI), Vita’s interest and ability - but he wants to In this file photo, Juice WRLD performs during with the government issuing in 2017 an AI keep his son down-to-earth. “I told him: McDonaldís Beat Of My City Chicago in Chicago, development plan which suggested pro- ‘you haven’t done anything remarkable,’” Illinois. — AFP gramming courses be taught in both pri- said Zhou. “This is just one step of (his) mary and secondary schools. China pub- coding learning.” Vita says he is happy just Though by no means their first strike, “in 20 years lished its first AI textbook last year, while to have fans and followers. “Coding is a with this company, this is the first time that I saw eastern Zhejiang province listed program- long-term challenge,” he said. “(But) dancers in the streets,” said Alexandre Carniato, a ming as one subject for its college download the app and you can start learn- dancer and troupe representative on pension matters. entrance examination. ing now.”— AFP Of 154 dancers employed at the prestigious opera For Vita it was his father, Zhou Ziheng, house, “we were 120 who demonstrated, from the who has been his main support, editing his corps de ballet to the principals,” he told AFP. videos and helping to run the channel. Parents and guardians wait outside a children’s computer coding training centre in The arts have been a major casualty of the strike, Zhou, a freelance translator of scientific Beijing. which caused the cancellation of several top ballet, opera, and theatre shows in Paris, disappointing tourists and locals who need to book long in advance for the pricey seats. The Opera said 11 shows have been cancelled at both its historic Garnier stage and the modern Bastille venue since the strike started last Thursday, representing a loss of 1.8 million euros ($2 million) in ticket revenues. The performances can- celled have included the great classical ballet “Raymonda”, the modern ballet “Le Parc” and a hugely ambitious new production of Borodin’s opera “Prince Igor”. And it is far from the only French cul- tural institution to take a hit. The Comedie-Francaise, France’s most prestigious theatre — which also has a special pension regime - cancelled performances as some of its staff went on strike.

Hired at 16 Carniato has just a year left before the obligatory retirement age of 42 for Paris Opera dancers brings the curtain down on his career. The limit was set by taking into account the physical arduousness of the Zhou Ziheng (center) and his son Vita (left) walks home in Shanghai. Wearing a pair of A pupil (left) reads a book outside a classroom as a woman waits to attend a class at a job, the high injury risk, and the assumption that most black-rimmed glasses and a red T-shirt, an eight-year-old Chinese boy is logged in for an childrenís computer coding training centre in Beijing. — AFP Photos dancers cannot not continue performing at their best online coding lessonóas the teacher. beyond a certain age. “The Paris Opera Ballet is the only employer in France to train its future employees from the age of eight,” tweeted dancer Adrien Couvez, adding the rate of work accidents in the sec- tor “are among the highest in France.” $10 million to XXXTentacion, who signed charges, this year was a star government From the moment a dancer “is hired by the Opera weeks before his murder in 2018. witness at the trial of alleged former gang at 16, we have work days that last from 9:00 am to Streaming’s reign set the stage for the associates. Others have succumbed to the 11.30 pm... The older one gets, the more one worries SoundCloud rappers’ volcanic rise, allow- demons evoked in their art: Juice WRLD’s about not being able to keep it up,” said Carniato. “At ing artists to evade the industry’s tradition- death followed the passing of fellow rapper 40, some already have titanium (replacement) hips.” al power brokers and drop music whenever Lil Peep, sometimes dubbed SoundCloud’s Carniato said he would earn a pension of 1,067 euros they wanted. SoundCloud is also a haven Kurt Cobain, who suffered an accidental ($1,180) per month from next year, which would aug- for DJs, and 17-year-old breakout super- overdose of fentanyl and Xanax in 2017. ment what he expects to be a salary of about 1,200 if star Billie Eilish first went viral there. Though the musical movement is some- he manages to find work as a school teacher. “The But rap is the dominating force in the times overshadowed by associated drugs biggest concern is finding a new job at the age of 42,” industry today, accounting for about a and violence, lyrically the subgenre marked he said. These, the dancers say, are among the rea- quarter of on-demand streams in 2018, a shift for hip hop. The bars get emotional- sons for the special pension provision they now fear he shock death of artist Juice WRLD rappers cultivated a lo-fi sound with a case according to market monitor BuzzAngle. ly raw, and are sometimes less akin to tra- will be taken away. But they are defending a regime has renewed mainstream focus on the of the blues, often centering on depres- Rappers “as a group are making music ditional hip hop than 2000s-era emo rock that is envied by counterparts dancing for highly T“SoundCloud rappers,” a hip hop sion’s wounds - and the prescription drugs about what’s happening today - and mak- bands like Panic! at the Disco. Juice WRLD regarded ballet companies in cities like Bordeaux or subgenre whose angsty, jagged sound has that can dull the ache. ing it available,” said Larry Miller, director - whose breakout hit “Lucid Dreams” last Toulouse. “The dancers of the Paris Opera are the taken the internet - and the charts - by “Numb the pain, take these Percs to the of New York University’s music business year stayed for months in the top 10 of only ones in France with this advantageous retirement storm. The unpolished movement takes its mouth and the nose,” crooned Juice program. “I think they got the power of Billboard’s hottest songs - was particularly age of 42 years,” tweeted Marc Ribaud, ballet direc- name from the Berlin-headquartered plat- WRLD in his song “HeMotions,” off the free, or cheap, music-making tools and free known for exploring weighty themes tor at the Opera of Nice in southern France. “All the form where its artists launched to fame, a 2019 album “Death Race For Love.” “I’m music distribution faster and in larger num- including mortality and heartache, con- other dancers have mainly part-time jobs with noth- streaming site started in 2007 that lends not a drug addict, got it all wrong / I’m just bers than other genres did,” he told AFP. trasting foreboding beats with tender, ing at the end of it!” itself to discovery without the traditional a love addict ‘til my heart gone.” The artists “They are just putting the art out there - melodic hooks. gatekeepers. But once seen as hip hop’s regularly cite use of the anxiety drug and doing it fast.” “I feel like people are not afraid to Musicians on strike too disruptors, the scene is increasingly suc- Xanax, the painkiller Percocet, and the touch on all their emotions,” the rapper The government’s reform plan seeks to unify 42 cumbing to a tragic fate: rapper Juice concoction known as “lean” or “purple Emotionally raw told NPR prior to his death, in an unpub- separate pension schemes into a single points-based WRLD’s weekend death, causes still drank.” The brew that originated in the US But though the SoundCloud rappers lished interview the outlet released in system for all workers, which it says will be fairer, with unknown, was only the latest to strike the south is typically prescription-grade appeared a burgeoning force, the move- part upon his passing. “Back in the day, fewer exceptions for certain sectors - including rail subgenre. cough syrup - which contains the opiate ment appears to be imploding. A hip hop especially when everybody was trying to workers who retire earlier than most. The French state The DIY site SoundCloud once was codeine - mixed with soda, and sometimes mutation with a punk spirit, many of its act hard all the time, I feel like people just covers half of the Paris Opera’s pension fund, about 14 rap’s Wild West, where wannabe musicians also hard candy or alcohol. figures lead volatile, sometimes crime-rid- wasn’t touching on that side of their life,” million euros per year. On top of its dancers, several uploaded their rough, often emotionally den lives. Its outlaw artist XXXTentacion he continued. “I feel as though some of other Opera workers are also on strike, including vulnerable music, promoting it to their dig- Art, fast and dirty - who broke out with the lurid hit “Look the people now are more mature and musicians and machine operators. French Culture itally savvy fan base elsewhere on social In recent years the SoundCloud rappers At Me!” - was murdered at age 20. He more grown than the people back then Minister Franck Riester confirmed to BFMTV that the media. The movement’s aesthetic fed the took their chaotic energy mainstream, as already had a string of charges to his because they talk about everything that Paris Opera’s special regime would disappear. “But music’s virality: neon-dyed dreads the buzzy scene triggered bidding wars name, including false imprisonment and they went through.” “Everything, not just does this mean that we will not take into account the bloomed from rappers’ skulls like mush- among labels to sign music’s latest shiny domestic abuse for allegedly beating his the violence.” — AFP realities of... certain jobs? Of course not,” he said, rooming highlighter bouquets, as their sig- object. According to US media, rough esti- pregnant girlfriend. without giving details. — AFP nature facial tattoos promoted traction on mates of major deals included $8 million to And the 23-year-old Tekashi69, seeking sites like Instagram. The young crop of the hyperactive 19-year-old Lil Pump and leniency on racketeering and weapons Classifieds Wednesday, December 11, 2019

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Arrival Flights on Wednesday 11/12/2019 MSR 610 Cairo 12:45 Departure Flights on Wednesday 11/12/2019 QTR 1075 Doha 12:10 Airlines Flt Route Time CLX 7912 Luxembourg 12:45 Airlines Flt Route Time IGO 1756 CNN 12:30 FEG 441 Asyut 00:05 UAE 871 Dubai 12:45 AIC 988 Hyderabad/Chennai 00:05 NIA 1504 Asyut 12:30 IGO 1757 Kochi 00:10 KAC 774 Riyadh 13:35 JZR 713 Sohag 00:10 KIS 6033 Mashhad 12:45 THY 772 Istanbul 00:20 JZR 212 Jeddah 13:45 MSC 412 Asyut 00:15 TBZ 6606 Mashhad 12:55 JZR 254 Amman 00:20 RBG 213 Sohag 13:55 MSR 615 Cairo 00:30 IAW 158 Al Najaf 13:00 DLH 625 Dammam 00:50 KAC 672 Dubai 14:00 FDB 072 Dubai 00:30 RBG 554 Alexandria 13:10 KAC 102 London 00:50 UAE 877 Dubai 14:00 BBC 044 Dhaka 00:40 JZR 115 Doha 13:25 JZR 734 Cairo 01:00 JZR 152 Mashhad 14:05 FEG 342 Sohag 01:05 SAW 702 Damascus 13:30 JZR 722 Alexandria 01:00 KNE 231 Riyadh 14:10 JZR 723 Alexandria 01:05 MSR 611 Cairo 13:45 MSR 618 Alexandria 01:35 GFA 221 Bahrain 14:15 JZR 409 Delhi 01:10 THY 767 Istanbul 14:00 UAE 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1077 Doha 05:00 FEG 242 Alexandria 16:55 KAC 796 Madinah 04:25 MSR 575 Sharm el-Sheikh 16:10 OHY 351 Istanbul 05:00 MSR 576 Sharm el-Sheikh 16:55 KAC 784 Jeddah 04:25 KAC 502 Beirut 16:15 IGO 1752 Chennai 05:10 SVA 505 Madinah 17:00 KAC 303 Mumbai 05:15 FDB 052 Dubai 17:10 JZR 1738 Cairo 04:45 QTR 1072 Doha 16:15 QTR 1073 Doha 17:25 JZR 404 Hyderabad 04:50 SAW 705 Damascus 17:00 KAC 103 London 05:20 KAC 361 Colombo 17:35 DHX 170 Bahrain 05:05 JZR 116 Doha 17:05 ETH 3425 Addis Ababa 05:45 KAC 155 Istanbul 17:35 FDB 069 Dubai 05:05 OMS 225 Muscat 17:10 THY 1465 Istanbul 06:00 KAC 503 Beirut 17:40 IGO 1759 Delhi 05:10 SVA 510 Riyadh 17:10 FDB 070 Dubai 06:00 UAE 858 Dubai 17:40 THY 770 Istanbul 05:20 GFA 215 Bahrain 17:30 IGO 1765 Delhi 06:10 KAC 283 Dhaka 17:40 JZR 402 Mumbai 05:25 JZR 214 Jeddah 17:35 RBG 216 Sohag 06:15 OMS 226 Muscat 17:50 KAC 344 Chennai 05:30 KAC 158 Istanbul 17:50 THY 771 Istanbul 06:30 KAC 343 Chennai 17:50 RBG 215 Sohag 05:35 JZR 104 Bahrain 18:00 GFA 212 Bahrain 06:50 KAC 381 Delhi 17:55 UAE 873 Dubai 05:40 QTR 1080 Doha 18:10 RJA 649 Amman 07:00 SAW 706 Damascus 18:00 KAC 552 Cairo 05:45 MSR 620 Cairo 18:30 UAE 874 Dubai 07:10 SVA 511 Riyadh 18:10 JZR 112 Doha 05:50 UAE 875 Dubai 19:05 KAC 167 Paris 07:15 KAC 615 Bahrain 18:10 BAW 157 London 06:10 FDB 063 Dubai 19:05 JZR 121 Dubai 07:15 JZR 721 Alexandria 18:15 JZR 708 Luxor 06:15 GFA 217 Bahrain 19:05 JZR 113 Doha 07:30 GFA 216 Bahrain 18:20 KAC 284 Dhaka 06:15 RJA 640 Amman 19:05 KAC 165 Rome 08:00 JZR 127 Dubai 18:20 JZR 714 Sohag 06:20 JZR 306 Istanbul 19:20 KAC 171 Frankfurt 08:00 JZR 403 Hyderabad 18:25 KAC 678 Dubai 06:40 ABY 123 Sharjah 19:20 JZR 211 Jeddah 08:00 JZR 733 Cairo 18:35 KAC 206 Islamabad 06:50 KAC 744 Dammam 19:25 BAW 156 London 08:00 JZR 253 Amman 19:10 KAC 302 Mumbai 07:05 KAC 674 Dubai 19:45 IGO 1767 Mumbai 08:10 QTR 1081 Doha 19:20 IGO 1766 Mumbai 07:10 JZR 151 Mashhad 08:15 MSR 621 Cairo 19:30 KAC 358 Kochi 07:25 KAC 776 Riyadh 19:45 FDB 057 Dubai 19:50 FDB 054 Dubai 08:35 FDB 064 Dubai 19:45 FDB 053 Dubai 07:50 GFA 218 Bahrain 19:50 JZR 724 Alexandria 07:50 KAC 104 London 20:00 KAC 539 Sharm el-Sheikh 08:50 KAC 501 Beirut 08:50 KAC 331 Trivandrum 19:55 KAC 354 Bengaluru 08:00 KAC 166 Rome 20:00 ABY 124 Sharjah 20:00 QTR 1084 Doha 08:00 KNE 381 Taif 20:00 KAC 545 Cairo 08:50 KAC 561 Amman 08:55 RJA 641 Amman 20:05 KAC 332 Trivandrum 08:05 OMA 647 Muscat 20:05 FDB 058 Dubai 20:30 KAC 384 Delhi 08:10 NIA 1503 Asyut 20:10 KAC 613 Bahrain 09:00 KAC 351 Kochi 20:30 UAE 855 Dubai 08:25 DLH 624 Frankfurt 20:10 KAC 117 New York 09:05 JZR 401 Mumbai 20:30 ETD 301 Abu Dhabi 08:50 MEA 402 Beirut 20:15 KAC 511 Mashhad 09:05 UAE 876 Dubai 20:35 OMA 641 Muscat 09:00 JZR 126 Dubai 20:20 QTR 1085 Doha 09:10 KNE 232 Riyadh 20:50 ABY 125 Sharjah 09:00 KAC 620 Doha 20:30 KAC 787 Jeddah 09:15 KAC 353 Bengaluru 20:50 IRA 665 Shiraz 09:15 QTR 1088 Doha 20:40 KAC 671 Dubai 09:15 OMA 648 Muscat 21:05 QTR 1070 Doha 09:20 RBG 217 Asyut 20:55 KAC 157 Istanbul 09:35 NIA 1406 Sohag 21:10 GOW 061 CNN 09:30 KAC 172 Frankfurt 21:00 KAC 773 Riyadh 09:40 MEA 403 Beirut 21:15 FDB 055 Dubai 09:40 KLM 445 Amsterdam 21:00 ABY 126 Sharjah 09:40 KAC 301 Mumbai 21:25 JZR 731 Cairo 09:45 IGO 1753 Ahmedabad 09:40 ETD 307 Abu Dhabi 21:10 RBG 214 Sohag 21:35 UAE 856 Dubai 09:50 JZR 410 Delhi 09:50 UAE 859 Dubai 21:15 QTR 1089 Doha 21:50 SYR 341 Damascus 10:00 ETD 302 Abu Dhabi 09:55 DHX 171 Bahrain 21:50 AXB 889 Mangalore/Bahrain 10:20 ALK 229 Colombo 21:15 OMA 642 Muscat 10:00 KAC 205 Islamabad 21:55 GFA 213 Bahrain 10:40 KAC 168 Paris 21:20 KAC 101 London 10:05 KLM 445 Bahrain 22:10 MEA 404 Beirut 10:55 THY 764 Istanbul 21:30 IRA 664 Shiraz 10:15 ETD 308 Abu Dhabi 22:15 QTR 1074 Doha 11:00 KAC 616 Bahrain 21:40 GOW 062 CNN 10:30 ALK 230 Colombo 22:20 KIS 6032 Mashhad 11:00 GFA 219 Bahrain 21:50 QTR 1071 Doha 10:30 THY 1413 Trabzon 22:25 JZR 1736 Cairo 11:05 KAC 564 Amman 21:55 KAC 617 Doha 10:40 UAE 860 Dubai 22:35 JZR 114 Doha 11:10 QTR 1082 Doha 22:05 IGO 1754 Ahmedabad 10:40 KAC 383 Delhi 22:35 IGO 1755 CNN 11:30 JAV 621 Amman 22:15 FDB 056 Dubai 10:40 JZR 407 Ahmedabad 22:40 NIA 1405 Sohag 11:30 KAC 786 Jeddah 22:20 SYR 342 Damascus 11:00 GFA 220 Bahrain 22:50 JZR 122 Dubai 11:45 SVA 514 Riyadh 22:25 JZR 221 Riyadh 11:20 KAC 783 Jeddah 22:55 KIS 6032 Mashhad 11:45 AIC 975 Chennai/Goa 22:25 AXB 890 Mangalore 11:20 KAC 551 Cairo 23:00 TBZ 6605 Mashhad 11:55 SVA 502 Jeddah 22:45 GFA 214 Bahrain 11:35 KAC 411 Bangkok 23:00 IAW 157 Al Najaf 12:00 JZR 128 Dubai 22:50 JAV 622 Amman 23:15 JZR 305 Istanbul 11:45 QTR 1083 Doha 23:20 SAW 701 Damascus 12:30 MSC 411 Asyut 23:15 MEA 405 Beirut 11:55 RBG 553 Alexandria 12:30 SVA 515 Riyadh 23:25 MSR 614 Cairo 23:30 KIS 6033 Mashhad 12:00 SVA 503 Jeddah 23:45 THY 766 Istanbul 12:30 FDB 071 Dubai 23:35 JZR 213 Jeddah 12:05 KAC 614 Bahrain 12:30 JZR 701 Asyut 23:45 24 Established 1961 News Wednesday, December 11, 2019 World’s youngest PM takes office in Finland

HELSINKI: Finland’s Sanna Marin, 34, was officially appointed as the country’s prime minister yesterday, becoming the world’s youngest sitting head of govern- ment. The former transport minister takes the helm of a coalition of five parties that will all be led by women, once the prime minister takes over as head of her Social Democratic party next year. All but one of the female coalition leaders are aged under 35. Marin became Finland’s third female prime minister after her nomination was passed in parliament by 99 votes to 70 yesterday and President Sauli Niinisto offi- cially appointed the new center-left cabinet. She suc- ceeds Antti Rinne, who resigned last week after losing the trust of one of his coalition parties over his handling of a postal strike. Marin has made global headlines for becoming not only Finland’s youngest ever leader, but also the world’s youngest sitting head of government, ahead of Ukraine’s Prime Minister Oleksiy Honcharuk who is currently 35. But yesterday, Marin deflected questions about the international attention she has received over becoming the world’s youngest premier. “My own thoughts have been on practical things and this week, I haven’t fol- lowed what the press have been writing very much either at home or abroad,” she told reporters outside parliament. Earlier this week she said: “I have never thought about my age or gender, I think of the reasons I HELSINKI: Ministers of the new Finnish government, led by Prime Minister Sanna Marin (center) pose for a family photo yesterday. — AFP got into politics and those things for which we have won the trust of the electorate.” Marin grew up looked after by her mother and her hood has strongly influenced her political priorities, which The Social Democrats took office in June after halting anti-climate change measures. Speaking after mother’s girlfriend, and said that her “rainbow family” include protecting Finland’s generous welfare system and defeating the far-right, anti-immigration Finns Party by yesterday’s parliamentary vote, Marin pledged to showed her the importance of “equality, fairness and low levels of inequality. “I come from a poor family and the narrowest of margins in April’s general election. The rebuild trust in her party. “We have promised the human rights”. In a 2015 interview, Marin said she felt would not have been able to succeed and move forward victory was seen by some commentators as a triumph Finnish people change and now we must deliver on that ‘invisible’ as a child, because she could not speak openly were it not for the strong welfare state and the Finnish for Finland’s liberal, equal society over a party that ran promise. In June we agreed a government program about her family setup. She has also said that her child- education system,” she told Helsingin Sanomat. on a ticket of cutting asylum levels almost to zero and together and I believe it is through actions that we will

pressuring Ukraine to interfere in the 2020 US elec- institutions in India and abroad published a joint letter Democrats announce tion. His accusers say he conditioned vital military aid Protests rage expressing their “dismay” at the legislation, saying the and a much-sought White House meeting on Kiev constitution called for members of all faiths to be two impeachment announcing it would investigate Democratic former in India over... treated equally. The move also evoked sharp reactions vice president Joe Biden, who is the frontrunner to from international groups, with an influential US body challenge Trump in the 2020 election. He also pressed calling for sanctions on Shah and other key players of his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky to Continued from Page 1 charges against Trump the proposed law. probe a debunked Kremlin conspiracy theory that it and Pakistan to become Indians. Modi’s government The US Commission on International Religious WASHINGTON: Democrats unveiled two articles of was Kiev, and not Moscow, that interfered in the 2016 says Muslims from these three countries are excluded Freedom in a statement Monday termed the bill as a impeachment yesterday against US President Donald US election. The charges also focus on Trump’s efforts to block because they can choose to go to other Muslim countries. “dangerous turn in the wrong direction”, that together Trump after weeks of arguing there is overwhelming with the proposed National Register of Citizens, aims evidence that the US leader abused his office and Congress from fully investigating his actions - which Also excluded are other minorities fleeing political deserves to be removed. If the charges - abuse of Democrats see as a violation of its constitutional right or religious persecution elsewhere, such as Tamils from to create a religious test for Indian citizenship that power and obstruction of Congress - are approved by to conduct oversight of the executive branch. “The evi- Sri Lanka, Rohingya from Myanmar and Tibetans from would strip citizenship from millions of Muslims. India’s the full House of Representatives in a vote expected dence of the president’s misconduct is overwhelming China. “This bill is in line with India’s centuries old foreign ministry yesterday retorted saying the US next week, it would put Trump in the historic position and uncontested,” said House Intelligence Committee ethos of assimilation and belief in humanitarian values,” group’s remarks were “neither accurate nor warranted” of being the third US leader ever impeached and chairman Adam Schiff, who oversaw weeks of public Modi tweeted. “I say this again and again that this bill and “guided by their prejudices and biases”. hearings in which witnesses including Trump adminis- placed on trial in the Senate. has nothing to do with the Muslims in this country,” The European Union’s ambassador to India Ugo “Our president holds the ultimate public trust,” said tration officials and US diplomats testified about the Astuto also expressed the bloc’s concerns, saying he pressure on Ukraine. Home Minister Amit Shah told parliament. Shah has House Judiciary Committee Jerry Nadler. “When he stoked further fears among India’s Muslims with his aim hoped “the principle of equality enshrined in the Indian betrays that trust and puts himself before country, he “To do nothing would make ourselves complicit in the president’s abuse of his high office,” Schiff said, to conduct a nationwide National Register of Citizens Constitution will be upheld”. Pakistani Prime Minister endangers the constitution, he endangers our democ- (NRC) that he says will see all “infiltrators” identified Imran Khan tweeted that the legislation by India’s “fas- racy and he endangers our national security.” Nadler, adding that Trump’s “misconduct goes to the heart of whether we can conduct a free and fair election in and “expelled” by 2024. cist” government “violates” all norms of international in a solemn and deeply serious moment for the nation, human rights law and bilateral agreements. — AFP was joined by House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in the US 2020.” Trump, who has long assailed the Democrats for On Monday, almost 1,200 scientists and scholars at Capitol to lay out the charges facing Trump. pursuing impeachment, maintained his fighting posture The president is alleged to have wielded the power early yesterday, tweeting that the effort to oust him as of the presidency for personal and political gain by “sheer Political Madness!” — AFP ered outside the gates of the ICJ for the hearing, carry- Suu Kyi told ing banners saying: ‘Say yes to Rohingya, justice Prize, will spur the parties to further implementation of the delayed is justice denied” and “Stop Burma military Abiy collects peace treaties,” she added. to ‘stop... attack Rohingya.” “Today is the start for our right to Abiy has vowed to hold the first “free, fair and demo- justice,” said Mohammed Harun, 49, who travelled from cratic” elections since 2005 in May, and experts fear the Continued from Page 1 London for the hearings. “It’s international justice day Peace Nobel... Ethiopian leader may have to shift his attention away from for Rohingya,” he told AFP. A small group of Suu Kyi Continued from Page 1 the peace process to focus on the vote. In stark contrast to Her decision to personally lead the southeast Asian supporters also unfurled a banner outside the court his authoritarian predecessors, Abiy has lifted the state of nation’s case at the court has proved popular at home, with the Myanmar leader’s face on it saying: “We love and Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki formally ended a emergency, released dissidents from jail, apologized for where the Rohingya are widely regarded as illegal you, we stand with you!” “Suu Kyi is the only person 20-year-old stalemate between their countries in the wake state brutality and welcomed home exiled armed groups. immigrants despite having lived in Myanmar for who can solve this problem,” supporter Swe Swe Aye, of the 1998-2000 border conflict. That was just three He also established a national reconciliation committee decades. 47, told AFP. months after Abiy took office. and lifted a ban on some political parties. In Myanmar, flag-waving supporters joined rallies in The 74-year-old Suu Kyi was once mentioned in the Yesterday, Abiy was quick to praise the role of his But less than two weeks after the Nobel announcement support of Suu Kyi in several cities across the country same breath as Nelson Mandela and Mahatma Gandhi, Eritrean “partner and comrade-in-peace” - the only in October, anti-Abiy protests left 86 people dead. In his yesterday, with some 2,000 people marching through having won the Nobel in 1991 for her resistance to leader Eritrea has known since it gained independence Nobel speech, he denounced the “evangelists of hate and Yangon and tens of thousands more in Mandalay. Myanmar’s brutal junta. After 15 years under house in 1993 - in his Nobel Prize. “We understood our nations division” who are “wreaking havoc in our society using Popular reggae singer Saw Phoe Khwa was among the arrest she was freed in 2010 and led her party to victo- are not enemies. Instead, we were victims of the common social media”. Meanwhile, the Nobel festivities have been celebrities who took to the stage in Yangon, imploring ry in elections in 2015, but her defence of the same tainted by Abiy’s refusal to field questions from the media, enemy called poverty,” he said. A former soldier himself, everyone to love each other before breaking into song. generals who once kept her locked up has since caused as the ex-intelligence chief has considerably shortened the Abiy also testified to the ravages of war, recalling how “We have to stand behind her as she travels to defend international condemnation. his entire unit had been wiped out in an Eritrean artillery traditional Nobel program and cut out all news conferences. The case is also being watched in Bangladesh The head of the Nobel Institute, Olav Njolstad, called our country’s dignity,” said 57-year-old Yangon resident attack but he had survived after briefly leaving a foxhole Thant Zin, sporting Suu Kyi stickers on both cheeks. where the Rohingya remain in sprawling camps. “I to get better antenna reception. “War is the epitome of the decision “highly problematic”, noting that a “free press and freedom of expression are essential conditions for a The Gambia’s lawyers however said the appearance demand justice from the world,” said Nur Karima, a hell for all involved,” he said. of huge billboards across Myanmar in recent weeks Rohingya refugee whose brothers and grandparents During the lightning-fast rapprochement that followed lasting peace in a democracy”. Abiy’s entourage respond- featuring pictures of Suu Kyi with three smiling gener- were killed in a massacre in the village of Tula Toli in the peace deal with Asmara, embassies reopened, flights ed that it was “quite challenging” for a sitting leader to spend several days at such an event, especially when als showed she was “in it together” with the army that Aug 2017. ICJ judges have only once before ruled that resumed and meetings were held across the region. But genocide was committed, in the 1995 Srebrenica mas- the “Abiymania” hype has faded and he is now facing “domestic issues are pressing and warrant attention”. They once held her captive. “It can only be have been intend- sacre in Bosnia. Myanmar, however, faces a number of major challenges. The land border between the two nations also said Abiy’s “humble disposition” contrasted with “the ed to show that they are all in it together and that is once again closed, and the question of border demarca- very public nature of the Nobel award”. Myanmar has absolutely no intention of holding its legal challenges over the fate of the Rohingya, includ- tions remains unresolved. “At present, this work seems to The Nobel Peace Prize consists of a diploma, a gold emboldened military leadership accountable,” lawyer ing a probe by the International Criminal Court - a be at a standstill,” said the head of the Norwegian Nobel medal and a cheque for nine million Swedish kronor Paul Reichler told the court. separate war crimes tribunal in The Hague - and a Committee, Berit Reiss-Andersen. “It is the hope of the ($945,000). The other Nobel prizes for literature, physics, A group of some 50 pro-Rohingya protesters gath- lawsuit in Argentina. — AFP Norwegian Nobel Committee that your previous achieve- chemistry, medicine and economics were also handed over ments, coupled with added encouragement of the Peace yesterday, but in Stockholm. — Agencies changes in three areas: Contract enforcement, govern- Private sector ment procurement, and bankruptcy and insolvency,” tions of a detente between Qatar and its former allies, Tejtel said. Amir hails positive despite Doha’s refusal to meet 13 key demands made by According to Tejtel, investors would like to know that the Riyadh-led bloc, including shutting down Al ‘integral part’... a contract will be enforced, and if there is a dispute, steps to forget the... Jazeera, downgrading ties with Iran and closing a they can go to the arbitration court for mediation and to Turkish military base on its territory. Yet, beyond the Continued from Page 1 resolve their cases. They need modern and transparent bonhomie in Riyadh, the event “falls short of achieving government procurements where all small and large Continued from Page 1 the intended reconciliation between Saudi Arabia and sector, he said it proves that Kuwaitis have the busi- companies follow the laws. “On bankruptcy and insol- Qatar”, said Gulf analyst Ali Bakeer. “My understanding ness acumen to propel their country towards economic vency, they need loans that do not penalize companies - Meanwhile, Saudi King Salman congratulated is that unless the blockade on Qatar is removed it will Kuwait’s Nayef Al-Hajraf on being appointed as the prosperity. on contrary, they should give second chances to compa- be hard to expect a serious breakthrough,” he told AFP. In his keynote address, Marc Tejtel, the Deputy Chief next GCC secretary general. Hajraf’s candidacy was However, negotiations to end the impasse are nies that fail,” he added. Counsel of the Commercial Law Development Program unanimously approved at ministerial talks ahead of the expected to continue, analysts say. “Ending the Gulf rift Faris Al-Obaid, Advisor to the Secretary General of (CLDP) of the US Department of Commerce, Office of leaders’ summit in Riyadh. is an incremental process of engagement and dialogue the Supreme Council for Planning and Development, the General Counsel, said they are here to support HH the Qatar’s Amir yesterday skipped the Gulf summit rather than something resolvable at a single summit said the New Kuwait 2035 vision is an all-encompassing Amir’s 2035 vision. According to Tejtel, two weeks ago, billed as a potential “reconciliation conference”, but meeting alone,” said Kristian Ulrichsen, a fellow at Rice one aiming to transform Kuwait into an innovation- leaders’ calls for integration provided more signs of a University’s Baker Institute in the United States. For US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Kuwait and based sustainable international actor of the 21st century. thaw between Doha and regional power Saudi Arabia. In Samuel Ramani, a doctoral researcher at Oxford America have a very close and personal relationship. “We “If we are to thrive and prosper, we must transform the a sign of the changing mood, the Doha delegation University, “Saudi Arabia’s normalization with Qatar is admire Kuwait’s pioneering role in the long-term - many way we think about policy and implement a forward- received a warm welcome in Riyadh, with Saudi Arabia’s likely to occur without major concessions from Doha. countries that rely on oil and gas realize that dependency thinking agenda that will help us achieve this goal. We King Salman and the Qatari prime minister exchanging “It is possible that Qatar could scale back its links on oil and gas is not sustainable and all these countries cannot as a government rely on the public sector alone. smiles and pleasantries. “The people of Qatar, welcome, with the Muslim Brotherhood, but it is certainly not are now doing their utmost to diversify,” he said. A main tenet of New Kuwait 2035 is the growing of to your second country,” said the commentator on Saudi planning on reducing its diplomatic ties with Turkey “Kuwait was the pioneer in this - not a year ago, two partnerships between the government and private sec- state television, in a friendly greeting. and Iran as trust between Doha and other GCC coun- years ago, but 66 years ago - in 1953, they created the tor, in addition to empowering the private sector to take Qatari Amir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani sent tries has been severely damaged.” Analysts say the Kuwait Investment Authority, the first sovereign wealth a lead role in Kuwait’s development. This partnership is Prime Minister Abdullah bin Nasser bin Khalifa Al- spat has hurt the blockading countries more than fund in the world, and in 1970 they created Supreme also a window to the world - a successful nation is a Thani in his place to the annual summit of the GCC. In Qatar. Saudi Arabia now appears to be taking a more Council for Planning and Development. The same reason cosmopolitan one,” he added. his speech, King Salman did not address the Qatar dis- conciliatory approach after adopting a combative for- why we have experts here today, with very significant The New Kuwait 2019 Summit aims to provide pute directly but called for Gulf unity in the face of eign policy that has spooked investors. But some of levels of knowledge and skills. We will work together Kuwait with a global platform and window to the world threats including “aggressive acts” by Iran. GCC secre- the other blockading countries are not as eager to today and tomorrow; you cannot erect the seven pillars to attract insightful debate and information around the tary-general Abdullatif Al-Zayani also called on Gulf step back. Two sources familiar with the negotiations, unless you have a solid foundation like commercial laws seven pillars identified by the Kuwait national develop- nations to remain “integrated and intertwined”, stress- including an Arab diplomat, told AFP that hardliners in and an environment fitted for the 21st century. You want ment plan - Kuwait’s global position, infrastructure, ing the need for “cohesion”. Abu Dhabi - Riyadh’s principal ally - are opposed to a to attract foreign investors; you want private sector in human capital, public administration, healthcare, econo- Hopes for reconciliation have been raised by indica- restoration of ties. Kuwait to take lead in the economy - to do that we need my and living environment. Established 1961 25 Sports Wednesday, December 11, 2019 Tiger Woods defends ‘great kid’ Reed after rule-breaking row No sympathy for anyone that cheats: Cameron Smith

MELBOURNE: US captain Tiger Woods defended of the day, if you do something unintentionally that Presidents Cup teammate Patrick Reed as “a great kid” breaks the rules, it’s not considered cheating and at the yesterday after he was penalised for breaking the rules end of the day that’s what it is.” Despite the prospect of in the Bahamas, while attempting to draw a line under a volatile reception in Melbourne, Woods insisted Reed the controversy. would be “fine” when the tournament begins tomorrow. Former US Masters champion Reed was given a “Pat is a great kid. He’s handled a tough upbringing two-shot penalty for improving his lie in a waste bunker well, and I just think that he’s one of our best team during the third round of the Hero World Challenge on players and is one of the reasons why all of the guys Friday. His actions were blasted by two of the wanted him on the team,” he said. International side preparing to face the Woods-led International team captain Ernie Els said he had no United States in the team matchplay showdown at problem with Smith and Leishman being outspoken on Royal Melbourne this week, potentially opening the Reed, keen to take any edge they can into the tourna- door for some barracking by Australian fans. ment. “Well, I think it’s only natural. These guys are Cameron Smith told reporters at the weekend he had competitors. Obviously they didn’t like what they saw,” “no sympathy for anyone that cheats” while Marc he said. But Els added: “Like Tiger, we’re moving on; Leishman called his behaviour “pretty ordinary”. we’ve got a Cup to play for. “It’s got nothing to do with Woods was keen to move on from the row when us. It’s basically what’s happened, and I think Tiger’s pressed in Melbourne, admitting the two discussed the dealing with it and Patrick’s dealing with that. matter on the long plane trip to Australia from the “We’re getting ready to play the Presidents Cup. Bahamas but it was now over. There’s nothing more to be said.” The International “It was not a lengthy conversation. Pat and I are very team will need to use everything in their arsenal to good friends. We kept it short and brief, to the point,” unsettle Woods’ star-studded team, who are the heavy said Woods, who is the first playing captain at the favourites to win. Presidents Cup since American Hale Irwin in 1994. They have clinched all but one edition of the MELBOURNE: US player Patrick Reed tees off during a practice round ahead of the Presidents Cup golf tournament “The rules official gave him two shots. He finished at Presidents Cup in its 25-year history. The exception in Melbourne yesterday. — AFP 16-under, two back of Henrik (Stenson), and now we’re was at Royal Melbourne in 1998, where a young Woods on to this week.” Reed acknowledged that he moved played. He admitted the team then was not properly sand with both practice swings and therefore violated prepared, in contrast to now. “I think our strength is guys play last week,” said Woods. “So it was nice for stretch our legs a bit,” he added. “Getting in yesterday the rules, but denied yesterday he was a cheat. that we are a very deep team. The guys have played them to shake off some rust. Get a feel for things. after a 26-hour ride in a luxurious tin can, it’s nice to “It’s not the right word to use,” he said. “At the end well this entire year, and you know, we had 11 out of 12 “Today is an important day for us to just walk and to actually get out there and feel some fresh air.” — AFP Kuwait ready for 20th Junior Water Polo Championship Heartbreak, then joy for Presidents Cup rookie An

MELBOURNE: It has been a roller- coaster ride for An Byeong-hun, and the Presidents Cup hasn’t even started. The South Korean received a heart- breaking call from International team skipper Ernie Els in November to tell him he had missed the cut as a cap- tain’s pick. Then Australian Jason Day was forced out by a back injury and the phone rang again. “I got a phone call By Abdellatif Sharaa Team captain Abdallah Murad said players are together official decisions. twice, unfortunately and fortunately,” since May, and are enthusiastic towards showing an out- Among the important items on the agenda is to make a said An yesterday as he prepared to KUWAIT: Kuwait’s Junior Water Polo team continues its standing performance during the championship. new plan to develop water games and swimming, also to make his Presidents Cup debut at training for the 20th FINA World Men’s Junior Water Polo Meanwhile, player Abdallah Al-Hammad said all players prepare a schedule for the upcoming championships, that Royal Melbourne against the Tiger Championship, hosted by Kuwait starting tomorrow and exerted their utmost during the preparation period under in addition to having standards for the game during the Woods-led Americans. will continue until Dec 20 at Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad the watchful eye of their Greek coach Marcos and his Tokyo 2020 Olympics and approve those who qualify. “First one was saying I’m not in. It Olympic swimming pools complex under the patronage of assistance Al-Shawaf. The bureau is made of nine members including FINA was a tough call. Obviously I was dis- National Assembly Speaker Marzouq Al-Ghanem. Meanwhile, FINA bureau will hold a meeting today at president Dr Julio C Maglione from Uruguay, first Vice- appointed. “I never thought I would get Assistant coach Khalid Al-Shawaf said players began Crowne Plaza hotel, on the sidelines of the 20th FINA president Husain Al-Musalla from Kuwait, second Vice- a second call, and last week, they said their training early due to the strong teams participating. World Men’s Junior Water Polo Championship, which will president Sam Ramsamy, Vice-president Paolo Barelli — ‘well, you can tell me to get lost but He said the national team held a training camp in Hungary, start tomorrow at Sheikh Nasser Al-Mohammad Olympic from Italy, Vice-president Matthew Dun from Australia, we need you on the team’. for a month, then continued its training here in Kuwait. swimming pools complex of Al-Nasr sports club. Vice-president Date Neuburger, Pipat Paniangvait, “I was like, I’ll go down and play. Al-Shawaf said the championship represents on oppor- This meeting proceeds a meeting of FINA board, Treasurer from Thailand, member Tamas Gyarfas from I’m here and I’m looking forward to tunity for the current players to gain experience through and it will make recommendations and proposals for Hungary and Executive Director Cornel Marculescu from my first Presidents Cup.” A former competing with distinguished players of high standards. the 25 member board, which has the authority to make Switzerland. US Amateur Championship winner, An earned his spot on the team fol- were granted the chance to enter a draw and win the pop- lowing three top-10s in his last six Renault Al Babtain ular models. PGA Tour starts. “Keeping in line with organization’s brand signature mot- He is one of seven rookies in the 12- McIlroy turns to ‘Passion for Life’, an embodiment of the unique Renault man team — the youngest ever assem- awards winners of spirit, Renault Al Babtain will remain a keen supporter of bled by the Internationals with an aver- down spot in maintaining a wholesome lifestyle. We are proud to be part age age of just under 29. He is confident 25th Annual NBK of a national movement that reflects our values and willpow- that fellow debutants Li Haotong, CT er to succeed. As a homegrown automotive brand, we will Pan, Abraham Ancer, Cameron Smith, Saudi tourney continue to play a vital role in inspiring more people to Joaquin Niemann and compatriot Im Walkathon event adopt healthier habits through strategic collaborations with Sung-jae will rise to the occasion. likeminded entities in Kuwait.” said Laurent Pernet, General “I was very surprised, I’m like the LOS ANGELES: Rory McIlroy confirmed Manager Automotive at Abdulmohsen Abdulaziz Al Babtain seventh-oldest guy on the team,” said Monday he had turned down the chance to play in KUWAIT: Abdulmohsen Abdulaziz Al Babtain Co., the the 28-year-old. “Ernie has been great. next month’s European Tour event in Saudi Arabia during the event. authorized agent of Renault in the State of Kuwait recently Demonstrating the values by which the group lives by - The team, I think everyone has their despite reportedly being offered a multi-million- awarded Victoriano G. R. Moraldi and Lulu Alfarsi with a own partners. We know who we’re dollar appearance fee. passion, integrity and commitment, the participants were Renault Duster and Renault Megane RS respectively upon rewarded by Laurent Pernet, who recognized the winners playing with. We were all excited, so McIlroy told the Golf Channel in an interview their participation at the annual NBK walkathon. we’re very looking forward to he had no interest in playing the Saudi for their perseverance. The 11KM walk from Green Island on The annual event which took place on 7th December the Gulf Road to the Shuwaikh Beach Park witnessed the Thursday, Friday, going into the week- International tournament in late January. “It’s just end, so we’ll see.” 2019 on Gulf Road, falls in line with Renault’s CSR mission participation of many people from different age groups. not something that would excite me,” the Mexico’s Ancer is also making his to promote the increased benefits of fitness while inspiring The winners were delighted to receive the ‘best in Northern Irishman said, echoing comments from bow at the team matchplay showdown, positive community engagement. The two lucky winners class’ models - the unstoppable SUV Renault Duster, and Tiger Woods who last week confirmed he had also having qualified automatically. He is who had completed the NBK Walkathon this year, held the Renault Megane, every sports driving enthusiasts rejected an approach to play in the event. equally excited and buzzing from the under the theme titled “One Step Can Change Your Life”, favorite vehicle. The tournament has attracted a slew of talent team atmosphere in camp. “I think including world number one Brooks Koepka, for- everybody is really excited. I’ve been mer US Open champion Dustin Johnson and Phil talking to a lot of friends. Some of them Mickelson. Golfers participating in the inaugural made the trip. Saw a couple of Mexican event last year faced criticism, with the tourna- flags out there on the golf course, ment taking place just months after the killing of which is awesome,” he said after a US-based Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi in practice round yesterday. October 2018. “And everybody’s excited. Mickelson was criticised last week after Obviously, I want to perform really, announcing his decision to play in the tournament. really well for my country. But not only “You’re better than taking the money grab from a for that, the family, but also my team- corrupt regime,” wrote one commenter on Twitter. mates and then my captain.” But he “Come on, Phil.” also admitted to nerves ahead of such a McIlroy, who was reportedly offered $2.5 mil- big event. lion to play in the tournament, hinted in his Golf “It’s going to be a lot of people, a lot Channel interview that “morality” had influenced of expectation, obviously. And just the his decision. “100%, there’s a morality to it as nerves of playing in your first well,” McIlroy said. Presidents Cup, I think is normal and I “You could say that about so many countries, want that,” he said. “I want to feel the not just Saudi Arabia, but a lot of countries that nerves. I want to see how I do under we play in that there’s a reason not to go, but for the gun. And I think it’s going to be a me, I just don’t want to go.” — AFP great week.” — AFP 26 Established 1961 Sports Wednesday, December 11, 2019 Flames stretch winning streak to five, end Avalanche’ at six Blue Jackets stun Capitals, stop losing skid

DENVER: Sean Monahan scored in overtime and the an assist for Washington, as did Nicklas Backstrom in Calgary Flames overcame blowing a two-goal lead in his return after missing eight games due to an upper- the third period to defeat the Colorado Avalanche 5-4 body injury. in Denver on Monday night. Andrew Mangiapane and Michael Frolik had goals in the first 1:39 of the third ISLANDERS 5, LIGHTNING 1 period to give the Flames a 4-2 lead. But Nathan Brock Nelson scored twice in New York’s three-goal MacKinnon and Joonas Donskoi each scored in the third period to carry the Islanders past host Tampa Bay. third to even the game and ultimately send it to over- Ross Johnston and Josh Bailey scored goals less than time. Matthew Tkachuk had a goal and an assist, Derek two minutes apart in the second period, and Anders Ryan also scored and David Rittich stopped 28 shots Lee added a late power-play marker as the Islanders for the Flames, who have won five straight under inter- won for the fourth time in six games. New York stymied im head coach Geoff Ward. Mark Giordano, Elias all three power plays by Tampa Bay, which came into Lindholm and Dillon Dube had two assists each for the game leading the NHL with 36.5-percent efficiency Calgary. MacKinnon and Donskoi each added an assist, with the man advantage on home ice. The Lightning are as well, and Valeri Nichushkin and Ryan Graves also 2-4-1 in their last seven. scored for Colorado, which had won six in a row. Pavel Francouz had 28 saves. SENATORS 5, BRUINS 2 Anthony Duclair scored two goals and added an BLUE JACKETS 5, CAPITALS 2 assist as Ottawa defeated visiting Boston. Chris Tierney Cam Atkinson scored two goals, one early and one added a goal and two assists, Artem Anisimov and late, as visiting Columbus defeated Washington to Jean-Gabriel Pageau also scored, and Vladislav snap a four-game losing streak. The Capitals’ six- Namestnikov had two assists for the Senators, who won game winning streak ended, too. Atkinson scored the for just the second time in their past eight games. game’s first goal, 3:27 into the first period, and added Anders Nilsson made 38 saves. Patrice Bergeron, mak- another one into an empty net with 1:48 to play to ing his return after missing the previous seven games give the Blue Jackets some insurance. Columbus goalie with a lower-body injury, and Jake DeBrusk scored for Joonas Korpisalo wound up with 37 saves as the the Atlantic Division-leading Bruins, who failed to win Capitals turned up the heat in the final two periods. for the third straight game (0-2-1). Brad Marchand and DENVER: Mark Barberio #44 of the Colorado Avalanche advances the puck against the Calgary Flames in the Ryan Murray, Riley Nash and Oliver Bjorkstrand also David Pastrnak each had two assists, and Tuukka Rask third period at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. — AFP scored for Columbus. Alex Ovechkin had a goal and stopped 23 of 26 shots. — Reuters

wrote, calling herself “an athlete who Russian has a lot of questions”. “Have we done an internal investigation? Who was pun- Kuwait cycling team returns home with medals ished?” Lasitskene said. high-jump “Why is our athletics still using banned substances, and coaches of ath- star Lasitskene letes caught doping are still working while officials in charge are falsifying official documents?” slams officials The World Anti-Doping Agency on Monday banned Russia for four years from major global sporting events MOSCOW: One of Russia’s top ath- including the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and letes, three-time world champion high the 2022 World Cup in Qatar over jumper Mariya Lasitskene, yesterday manipulated doping data, prompting an called sports officials to account after angry response from President Vladimir her country was banned for four years Putin. from international competition. Many Russian officials have blamed In her open letter published by “anti-Russian hysteria” for the ban. Championat.com sports website, Lasitskene, who hails from the Russian Lasitskene, a longtime critic of Russian Caucasus and won gold at the 2015, 2017 sports officials, demanded to know who and the 2019 World Championships, has has been punished over the country’s previously called on the head of Russia’s doping scandal and the fact that she Athletics Federation to resign. She has cannot compete under the Russian flag. also complained that it was psychologi- Lasitskene missed the 2016 Rio cally hard to compete as a neutral. Olympics because of the doping crisis Some of her supporters have sug- and had threatened to leave Russia so as gested on Instagram that she quit Russia not to miss the Tokyo Olympics in 2020. KUWAIT: Kuwait Cycling National Team returned home with one gold, two silver and four bronze medals after participating in the Arab and take up a different citizenship, but “The Russian flag was taken from me Championship that was held in Alexandria, Egypt. Lasitskene on Monday said she did not at the end of 2015,” the 26-year-old plan to obtain a new passport. —AFP

dicts they can take on his dominant for- Pakistan, McLaren ready mer outfit now known as Team Ineos. “I was walking around here and thinking bloody hell, this is pretty spe- S Lanka set to battle cial,” Ellingworth, who will now be a rival of his former Team Sky boss Dave Ineos for Brailsford, said at McLaren’s vast for historic Test Technology Centre, which will be the RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s captain Azhar Ali yellow jersey team’s performance HQ. thanked Sri Lanka yesterday for returning to “I think from the outset we are capa- Pakistan for the first Test tour there in a ble of taking on Ineos. The ambition is to decade, after a fatal militant attack on their LONDON: Chequered flags have become a Grand Tour winning team. The team in 2009 drove international cricket away. always been the driving force for yellow jersey of the Tour is an iconic jer- “It’s a historic occasion and all the players McLaren but the iconic British motor- sey and we want to bring it home to are excited to be part of this,” Azhar, who has sport brand will be focussing its consid- McLaren and to Bahrain.” played 75 Tests — but, until now, none at erable power on chasing yellow jerseys The futuristic McLaren production home — said at a press conference in next year too. centre is a history lesson in motor racing “As a brand we don’t pick fights very heritage, from the classic F1 machines Rawalpindi with his counterpart, Dimuth RAWALPINDI: Pakistan’s cricketers take part in a practice session at the Pindi Cricket often but when we do we pick them with driven to world titles by the likes of Karunaratne. “We thank the Sri Lankan team Stadium ahead of the first Test cricket match between Pakistan and Sri Lanka in the intention to win,” John Allert, Ayrton Senna and Lewis Hamilton to the for coming here. The last Test was also against Rawalpindi yesterday. —AFP them so their visit will send a strong message McLaren’s Chief Marketing Officer, said hundreds of trophies lining the walls of to the world that we need to support each at the glitzy launch of the Bahrain- the walkways. other,” he said. 2015, albeit only for limited overs. Sri Lanka Karunaratne — who refused to tour McLaren UCI WorldTour team on But McLaren is no stranger to Eight people were killed and several play- will play two Tests under heavy security, one Pakistan for a limited over series in Monday. cycling, having collaborated with US ers and officials were wounded when militants in Rawalpindi and the second in Karachi, end- September-October this year — shared his It was a bold statement but with bike builder Specialized. They also opened fire on the Sri Lankan team bus trav- ing a decade-long absence for cricket’s five- rival’s sentiments. “I am really excited... The McLaren’s vast technological resources, worked on the track bike Britain’s team elling to a Test in Lahore in 2009. day format. They will be the first home Tests players are excited to be part of this historic Middle Eastern backing and a formida- used to sweep golds at London 2012. The attack plunged Pakistan into sporting for all 16 players in the Pakistan squad. occasion,” he said. Sri Lanka are on the up in ble-looking roster for 2020, the team The team will continue, for now, to use isolation during its years-long battle with mili- “Cricket is the biggest thing and if the Test cricket after becoming the first Asian looks well-equipped to shake up the Merida bikes of which the frame colour tancy, with all “home” venues played in the youngsters can’t see matches here then it’s a team to win a series in South Africa earlier this peloton. Team principal Rod Ellingworth, and rider kit reflect the original United Arab Emirates. But with security dra- big loss for our cricket and budding players,” year. They then drew a Test series 1-1 against formerly with British Cycling and Team McLaren race car colour (papaya matically improving in recent years interna- Azhar said. “I am sure our grounds will host New Zealand at home in August, their first fix- Sky, says Bahrain-McLaren has been orange) introduced by founder Bruce tional cricket began creeping back starting in more matches in the years to come.” ture in the World Test championship. — AFP formed to win Grand Tour titles and pre- Mclaren. — Reuters

expected Russia to appeal Monday’s decision by the The IPC banned the Russian Paralympic Committee from attending any major events, while the country will Paralympics boss World Anti-Doping Agency to ban the country for four in the run-up to the Rio Games, only reinstating them lose the right to host, or even bid, for tournaments. years from major global sports events after accusing the this February and setting down clear criteria for their Parsons also said Paralympic athletes were keener Russians of falsifying data from a testing laboratory. participation. than ever to stage their marathon in Tokyo after con- urges clarity for Under the sanctions, Russian sportsmen and women Last time, it was up to the IPC to decide on a ban but cerns over the summer heat forced the Olympic show- will still be allowed to compete at the Olympics and the guidelines have changed, meaning the IPC will now case event to be moved 800 kilometres (500 miles) Tokyo after Paralympics, but only as neutrals and only if they can follow whatever recommendations WADA lays down north to Sapporo. demonstrate that they were not part of what WADA after a potential Russian appeal. “Of course, to know The IPC boss said it was “very unlikely” the Russia doping ban believes was a state-sponsored system of doping. that authorities have tampered with data is disgusting Paralympics would follow suit and shift the marathon “At the end of the day, the decision will be a CAS and they are letting their athletes down,” Parsons said. venue. After analysing historical data — including for (Court of Arbitration for Sport) decision and we will Documents released Monday show WADA believes the unusually hot summer of 2019 — the IPC medical TOKYO: The head of the International Paralympic then need to react but it will be four months prior to the “deletions and alterations” to Russia’s doping data committee had concluded it would be safe for Committee yesterday called for clear guidance over the Games, so we will need to react quickly,” said Parsons. “materially prejudiced the ability to pursue cases Paralympic athletes to compete, he told AFP. participation of Russian athletes at the Tokyo 2020 “It will depend a lot on the decision. What we want is against 145 of the 298 athletes” with suspicious doping The Paralympic Games begin on August 25, with the Paralympics, adding that it was “disgusting” that author- for the decision to be clear in the sense that there will controls between 2011 and 2015. marathon scheduled for September 6, the final day of ities had allegedly tampered with doping samples. be a clear path... on what will be the participation of The toughest sanctions imposed on Russian state competition, and officials are hopeful the worst of the In an interview with AFP, Andrew Parsons said he Russian athletes — if any?” authorities will also see government officials barred Tokyo heat will be over by then. — AFP 27 Sports Wednesday, December 11, 2019 Arsenal relieved as worst winless run since 1977 ends at West Ham First win in 10 games lifts Arsenal up to ninth

LONDON: Arsenal caretaker manager Freddie was an amazing goal and he’ll get better and better.” Ljungberg believes a weight has been lifted off his Not much had improved in Ljungberg’s first two players’ shoulders after a three-goal blitz in nine sec- games since replacing the sacked Unai Emery and it ond-half minutes beat West Ham 3-1 on Monday to end was the same tame and lifeless Arsenal for the first hour the Gunners’ worst winless run in 42 years. against a West Ham side that have won just once in Another miserable night for the Swede seemed in their last 11 games. store when the visitors trailed at half-time to Angelo “I think we dominated the game for 60 minutes and Ogbonna’s deflected header. However, Arsenal suddenly after that in 10 minutes we lose the game,” said West sparked into life after Gabriel Martinelli scored his first Ham manager Manuel Pellegrini, who is under increas- Premier League goal as Nicolas Pepe finally started to ing pressure as his side sit just one point above the rel- deliver on his club record £72 million fee by curling egation zone. home a brilliant second, before crossing for Pierre- Another home defeat means the Hammers have tak- Emerick Aubameyang to secure all three points. en just one point from their last five games at the “It means so much for the players. They have been London Stadium and the home side were booed off at living under enormous pressure and you see it in their full-time. “You understand the boos because the last performances,” said Ljungberg. “You can see the play- five games we played here we didn’t win,” added ers have been a bit low and you see in the dressing Pellegrini. “You cannot concede three goals in every room the relief and how happy they are.” game.” In a first half of precious little good football it A first win in 10 games in all competitions lifts was fitting the opener arrived in scrappy fashion as Arsenal up to ninth and cuts the gap on fourth-placed Ogbonna’s attempted header came off his shoulder and Chelsea to seven points in the battle for Champions deflected off Martinelli to wrong-foot Bernd Leno in League qualification next season. Ljungberg reacted to the Arsenal goal. taking just one point from his opening two games in But one moment changed the course of the game temporary charge against lowly Norwich and Brighton when Sead Kolasinac burst down the left and crossed by making five changes with Martinelli and Pepe among low for Martinelli to slot home his eighth goal of the those coming into the side. season after impressing in the League Cup and Europa Pepe’s inability to make an impact has been one of League. LONDON: West Ham United’s English midfielder Mark Noble (L) vies wirh Arsenal’s German midfielder Mesut Ozil the major reasons for Arsenal’s struggles, but the Suddenly the confidence which Emery and during the English Premier League football match between West Ham United and Arsenal at The London Stadium, Ivorian looked a new player after curling home his first Ljungberg bemoaned had drained away from their in east London. —- AFP Premier League goal from open play 24 minutes from players in recent times was restored, none more so than time. “Nicolas is an amazing football player, but it is not in Pepe, who cut inside onto his favoured left foot and in for his 13th goal of the campaign. “At half-time, we believe in ourselves, we can go forward and win easy to come from the French league into the Premier curled into the top corner. Freddie told us to play with a higher tempo,” said games. We will take this second half as an example for League and adjust straight away,” added Ljungberg. “It Pepe then turned provider for Aubameyang to slide Aubameyang. “We have the quality in the squad, and if the rest of the season.” — AFP

Quick turnaround for new Asian champions Al Hilal

HONG KONG: Saudi Arabia’s Al Hilal did not have long to savour their Asian Champions League tri- umph before discovering they will face 2015 final- ists Shabab Al Ahli Dubai and Uzbekistan’s Pakhtakor in next year’s competition after the group stage draw on Monday. The club from Riyadh defeated Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds to win the trophy last month for the first time since the competition started in 2002. Yokohama F Marinos’ coach Ange Postecoglou New season for baseball begins will take the J-League champions to his native Australia after being drawn to face Sydney FC in Group H, which also features two-time champions By Abdellatif Sharaa and softball games in particular. Jeonbuk Motors from South Korea and a playoff He said he is pleased with the way the winner. KUWAIT: Baseball team celebrated the celebration came out and impressed Chinese Super League champions Guangzhou start of the new season 2019-2020. The those present. Evergrande will challenge for a third title in Group celebration was attended by Public He also thanked Sheikh Fahad Al- F, where they were drawn to play Suwon Authority for Sport Deputy Director Nasser and PAS, who ensure the contin- General for Competitive Sport Dr Saqer uation of this sport and enhance it in Bluewings from South Korea and Johor Darul Al-Ghanim, President of Kuwait Olympic Kuwait, and his role in having the club be Ta’zim from Malaysia as well as the as-yet unde- Committee Sheikh Fahad Nasser Sabah the first in the GCC countries. termined winner of Japan’s Emperor’s Cup. Al-Ahmad, Head of Kuwait Hunting and He gave special thanks to Sheikh Chiangrai United from Thailand will make their Equestrian Club Sheikh Dhari Fahad Al- Dhari Al-Fahad for his support of the debut in the competition in Group E against Ahmad Al-Sabah in addition to ambas- game without which the game would China’s Beijing Guoan and a pair of playoff win- sadors from Canada, France, China, have vanished from Kuwait and have a ners. Group F features Chinese FA Cup winners South Korea, India, Malta, Cuba. recognized club. Shanghai Shenhua, Ulsan Hyundai from South The celebration included a brief He said athletes went through several Korea, Australia’s Perth Glory and another team about the game of baseball, then the sports experience locally, regionally and from the playoffs. teams presented themselves. internationally and now we get into a Persepolis from Iran, who were runners-up in Chairman of the Board of Baseball new challenge which is baseball and 2018, will take on Qatar’s Al Duhail, Al Taawoun Club Saud Abdelaziz Al-Ayoub thanked softball, which practiced by all of both from Saudi Arabia and Sharjah from the UAE in HH the Amir Sheikh Sabah Al-Ahmad Al- genders, adding that the number of those Group C. Fellow Iranians Sepahan meet 2019 Jaber Al-Sabah and the Amiri Diwan for who are practicing it reached 420 of that he is proud of the two teams of the November and continues until March semi-finalists Al Sadd from Qatar and Saudi their continued support to Kuwait sport both genders and they are from 26 disabled. 2020 and matches are played on Arabia’s Al Nassr as well as a team from the play- and athletes, in general and the baseball countries of various age groups, adding He said the league season started in Thursdays and Fridays each week. offs in Group D. Group A will also feature two teams from the playoff rounds as well as Al Wahda from the UAE and Iraq’s Al Shorta. Benitez rules himself out of The group phase kicks off on Feb. 10 with the Eagles stay alive as Giants two top teams in each group advancing to the last Arsenal and Everton jobs 16, with the final due to be played over two legs on downed in overtime Nov. 22 and 28. LONDON: Rafael Benitez insisted on 2020 Asian Champions League Draw: Monday there is “no chance” he will fill LOS ANGELES: The Philadelphia touchdown which left the Giants 17-3 the managerial vacancies at either Eagles kept their playoff hopes alive ahead. But the Eagles, who left the Group A: Al Wahda (UAE), Al Shorta (IRQ), Arsenal or Everton, but he refused to with an overtime victory against the field to loud boos from their fans at Playoff winner, Playoff winner completely rule out a return to the New York Giants to deny Eli Manning Lincoln Financial Field, rallied strongly a fairytale return on Monday. A Zach after the interval. Premier League. Group B: Al Hilal (KSA), Shabab Al Ahli Dubai Ertz touchdown on the opening drive With quarterback Carson Wentz Former Liverpool and Real Madrid (UAE), Pakhtakor (UZB), Playoff winner boss Benitez is currently in charge of of overtime sealed a 23-17 win for the gradually finding his rhythm, the Chinese side Dalian Yifang after leaving Eagles, who overturned a 17-3 half- Eagles offense started making inroads Group C: Al Duhail (QAT), Al Taawoun FC Newcastle United after the end of last time deficit to stay on target for a into the Giants defense. Running back place in the postseason. Boston Scott went over from two (KSA), Sharjah FC (UAE), Persepolis FC (IRN) season. Arsenal are still looking for a Rafael Benitez permanent successor to Unai Emery It was a disappointing night for yards for the first Eagles touchdown, while Everton, Liverpool’s local rivals, Giants quarterback Manning, the vet- and then Wentz led a 14-play 80-yard Group D: Sepahan (IRN), Al Sadd (QAT), Al sacked Marco Silva last week, and for- Manuel Pellegrini leave the London club. eran two-time Super Bowl champion drive that ended with the quarterback Nassr (KSA), Playoff winner mer Champions League winner Benitez But although he was linked with a move recalled in place of rookie Daniel picking out Ertz in the endzone from said he was happy in the Chinese Super to the Hammers four years ago before Jones, who had started the previous two yards for a game-tying score. Group E: Beijing Guoan (CHN), Chiangrai League despite finishing a lowly ninth joining Real Madrid, Benitez said there 10 games. The Eagles’ winning score was United FC (THA), Playoff winner, Playoff winner this season. was no chance of them tempting him Manning had looked to be rolling almost a carbon copy of their fourth “I can be very clear — there is no away from China. back the years during a vintage first quarter touchdown, Wentz advancing Group F: Ulsan Hyundai (KOR), Shanghai chance I will come back now because “It was in the past, it’s true that I was half display, throwing for two touch- the team down the field before con- Shenhua (CHN), Perth Glory (AUS), Playoff winner I’m really happy,” he said on Sky Sports. nearly there (at West Ham),” he said. downs and 179 yards at the break. necting with Ertz once again from “I’m really pleased (Dalian Yifang) trust “Then Real Madrid came, and I needed a Manning picked out Darius Slayton close range. The victory leaves the Group G: Emperor’s Cup Winner (JPN), Suwon me. We have a lot of staff working on a couple of days to know exactly what for the opening score in the first quar- Eagles at 6-7 in the NFC East. If the Bluewings (KOR), Guangzhou Evergrande (CHN), big, big project. We want to leave a lega- was going on. “Obviously I couldn’t say ter, the rookie receiver spinning away Eagles win their remaining three Johor Darul Ta’zim (MAS) cy and it’s a challenge for me. I’m quite no to Real Madrid, but it was a good from his tackler for a 35-yard touch- games — against the Dallas Cowboys happy at the moment. time and it’s a massive club. down to make it 7-0. (6-7), the Washington Redskins (3-10) Group H: Sydney FC (AUS), Yokohama F “In the future I would like to come “Everybody can see both teams After the two teams traded field and the Giants (2-11) — they will Marinos (JPN), Jeonbuk Motors (KOR), Playoff back to the Premier League because I (West Ham and Arsenal) have problems, goals, Manning then hit Slayton again clinch the division and advance to the winner. — Reuters like the league.” Benitez has also seen his but both are massive clubs and they will with a 55-yard completion for a playoffs. — AFP name linked with West Ham should do well at the end.” —AFP Established 1961 Sport

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2019

Tiger Woods defends ‘great kid’ Pakistan, S Lanka set Benitez rules himself out 25Reed after rule-breaking row 26 for historic Test 27 of Arsenal and Everton jobs

Bjelica beats buzzer to stun Rockets Booker nets 26 as Suns dump slumping Wolves

HOUSTON: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Houston Rockets shoots the ball against the Sacramento Kings at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas. — AFP

HOUSTON: Nemanja Bjelica drilled a 3-pointer at the Detroit. Brandon Ingram scored 31 and Jrue Holiday ing Cleveland. Jaylen Brown added 20 points, Jayson came 26 points from Utah’s Donovan Mitchell. The buzzer, and the Sacramento Kings claimed a 119-118 scored 20 to lead New Orleans. Tatum 19 and Daniel Theis 10 as all five Celtics starters Thunder played without a pair of starters. Terrance victory over the host Houston Rockets on Monday. scored in double figures. Boston improved to 10-0 at Ferguson missed his third straight game due to right hip Bjelica drilled a 33-footer off an inbound pass from Milwaukee Bucks 110 - Orlando Magic 101 home and won for the sixth time in its past seven games. soreness while Danilo Gallinari missed a game for the first Cory Joseph to answer a driving layup from Rockets Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 32 points and Jordan Clarkson had 19 points and Tristan Thompson 17 time this season after sustaining a left ankle sprain. guard Russell Westbrook on the preceding possession. grabbed 15 rebounds as Milwaukee extended its NBA- for the Cavaliers, who lost their seventh straight and fell Bjelica scored over PJ Tucker to cap his 17-point per- best winning streak to 15 games with a victory over for the 13th time in their past 14 games. Phoenix Suns 125 - Minnesota Timberwolves 109 formance as the Kings finished 20 of 45 from behind visiting Orlando. Khris Middleton scored 20 points and Devin Booker had 26 points and three 3-pointers, and the arc. Westbrook scored a season-high 34 points, Donte DiVincenzo added 12 as the Bucks improved to Los Angeles Clippers 110 - Indiana Pacers 99 Kelly Oubre Jr. scored 24 points on his 24th birthday as primarily on driving layups as the Kings offered scant 11-1 at home and matched the Los Angeles Lakers for Paul George made seven 3-pointers to highlight a 36- host Phoenix pulled away from Minnesota. Dario Saric rim protection. His basket countered a game-tying 3- best record in the NBA at 21-3. Evan Fournier scored point performance against his former team as Los Angeles had 20 points and was a rebound short of his fifth dou- pointer from Kings guard Buddy Hield (team-high 26 26 points and Terrence Ross added 23 as the Magic held on to beat Indiana in Indianapolis. George was booed ble-double in the last eight games, and Ricky Rubio points), whose trey matched a 3-pointer from Ben saw their season-best four-game winning streak come by the crowd in his third game back at Bankers Life added 16 points and 14 assists for the Suns, who beat McLemore with 22.7 seconds left. The Rockets had won to an end, but not before putting together a late run. Fieldhouse after requesting a trade from Indiana, with Timberwolves for the second time in 17 days to get within 18 of 20 meetings against the Kings, who received 19 which he spent his first seven NBA seasons. George was one game of .500. Karl-Anthony Towns had 33 points points and eight rebounds from Harrison Barnes. James Toronto Raptors 93 - Chicago Bulls 92 sent to Oklahoma City in exchange for Victor Oladipo and and 15 rebounds, Andrew Wiggins put up 23 points, and Harden paired 27 points with 10 assists for the Rockets Pascal Siakam scored 22 points, and visiting Toronto Domantas Sabonis in July 2017 before the Thunder traded Jeff Teague had 16 points and four assists off the bench while Tucker grabbed a career-high 19 rebounds overcame an eight-point fourth-quarter deficit to defeat him to the Clippers in the latest offseason. Montrezl for the Timberwolves, whose season-high losing streak Chicago and end a three-game losing streak. Kyle Lowry Harrell had 26 points and eight rebounds for the Clippers, reached five games. Detroit Pistons 105 - New Orleans Pelicans 103 added 11 points and made the go-ahead layup with 50.9 who played without Kawhi Leonard (left knee soreness). Derrick Rose scored a team-high 21 points, capped seconds remaining for the Raptors, who have won 11 in a Leonard sat out the latter half of a back-to-back set with Memphis Grizzlies 110 - Golden State Warriors 102 by a last-second, game-winning jumper as Detroit won row against the Bulls. Norman Powell had 17 points, Serge a Wednesday showdown looming against his former team Memphis used six 3-pointers to bolt to a 24-11 lead in at New Orleans. The Pistons inbounded the ball with Ibaka had 11 points and 14 rebounds, and OG Anunoby in Toronto, marking his first return to the city since he led the first 7:19 of the game, then never trailed thereafter in a 14.7 seconds left and cleared out for Rose, who drib- scored 10 for Toronto. Zach Lavine scored 20 points — all the Raptors to the NBA title in June. victory over Golden State in San Francisco. Rookie star Ja bled down the clock, penetrated and hit a jumper from in the first half — and grabbed 11 rebounds for the Bulls, Morant returned from a four-game layoff caused by back just inside the foul line. The Pelicans called timeout with who have lost three straight. Oklahoma City Thunder 104 - Utah Jazz 90 spasms to lead the way with a game-high 26 points and 0.3 seconds left, but their subsequent pass was deflect- Dennis Schroder scored 27 off the bench to lead seven assists. He helped the Grizzlies win for just the sec- ed, and they lost their ninth straight game. Langston Boston Celtics 110 - Cleveland Cavaliers 88 Oklahoma City to a win over Utah in Salt Lake City. Shai ond time in their last 10 games. D’Angelo Russell and Alec Galloway added 16 points, Luke Kennard scored 14 and Kemba Walker scored 22 points, Gordon Hayward had Gilgeous-Alexander added 20 points and Chris Paul had Burks shared team-high scoring honors for the Warriors Andre Drummond had 13 points and 10 rebounds for 14 in his return from a hand injury, and Boston beat visit- 16 points and seven assists for the Thunder, who over- with 18 points. —Reuters

cheats. Ian Chesterman, the AOC vice-president who Winter Games. “While the guilty must be punished, it’s only fair that Australia backs will lead the Australian team at the Tokyo Olympics The decision not to impose a blanket ban was not clean athletes from Russia are given the opportunity to next year, said that WADA had sent a “powerful mes- uniformly welcomed with Travis Tygart, head of the compete if they can demonstrate that they were not sage” with the unprecedented ban. “This was a shock- United States Anti-Doping Agency, describing it as “yet implicated in any way,” he added. Russia ban, athletes ing betrayal of fair sport and there are severe conse- another devastating blow to clean athletes.” The International Paralympic Committee (IPC), quences for that,” he said. His view was echoed by Global Athlete, an advocacy whose 2020 Tokyo Games will also be impacted by the group unimpressed “Every athlete deserves to compete with the confi- group set up by athletes, who said WADA had been decision, said they would respect WADA’s sanction dence they are competing in a clean and fair environ- “played for fools” by the Russians and was “not fit for after the appeal is exhausted. “The IPC would like to ment. The fact that this was a systematic attempt to purpose”. “Today WADA has robbed athletes world- thank WADA for the work they have done in exposing SYDNEY: The Australian Olympic Committee have undermine fair sport makes it all the more galling and wide of their right to clean sport due to their inability this attempt to cheat the system,” the IPC said in a welcomed the decision by the World Anti-Doping all the more offensive.” to enforce the strongest possible sanctions on Russia,” statement Agency to ban Russia from major sporting events, The ban comes as a huge blow to Russian pride and it said in a statement. “Once a final decision has been taken, it will be including next year’s Tokyo Games, for four years as the President Vladimir Putin said on Monday that Moscow “Strong sanctions which would include a complete legally binding across all sports and bodies that are sports world began to digest the suspension yesterday. might appeal the decision, as is their right within 21 ban of Russia and Russian athletes at all international signatories of the World Anti-Doping Code, and WADA’s executive committee acted on Monday days. WADA’s decision does leave the door open for competitions including the Olympic and Paralympic must be recognised and enforced by all signatories. after concluding that Moscow had planted fake evi- “clean” Russian athletes to compete as individuals in Games.” Chesterman, however, said that Russian ath- This includes the IPC.” The Japanese Olympic dence and deleted files linked to positive doping tests Tokyo without their flag or anthem, as was the case letes who could prove they were not part of the tainted Committee said they would not be commenting on in laboratory data that could have helped identify drug when Russia was banned from the 2018 Pyeongchang system must be able to compete. the ban. — Reuters